"bear"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Dov
Pronunciation: [ d-AHV ]
Does Dov flow with your last name?
Hebrew for bear — ancient strength in one syllable
Israeli
Jewish
Eastern European Jewish
Strong
Minimalist
Spiritual
Unique
Bold
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The Story of Dov
Dov is the Hebrew word for 'bear' (דֹּב), one of the most ancient and powerful animal names in the Semitic world. Bears appear in the Hebrew Bible as symbols of strength and ferocity — King David killed a bear to protect his sheep (I Samuel 17:34-36), and she-bears famously attacked those who mocked the prophet Elisha (II Kings 2:24). The name Dov (or Dob) has been used in Jewish communities for centuries, and in Ashkenazi naming tradition it was often combined with Ber (Yiddish for bear) as the compound name Dov Ber.
Dov is a standard Israeli name used across the Jewish world. In Israel it's known partly through political figures like Dov Khenin (politician) and intellectuals. Among Ashkenazi Jews in Europe and America, the name Dov Ber was common as a compound, honoring the same bear symbolism in both Hebrew and Yiddish. The standalone Dov has maintained steady use in Israeli and Jewish communities.
In Jewish tradition, Dov represents strength, protection, and primal courage. The bear in Jewish symbolism is linked to the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear), which ancient peoples used for navigation. Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezeritch (died 1772) was one of the most important early Hasidic leaders, the 'Great Maggid' and successor to the Baal Shem Tov.
Historical Record
Dov first appeared in US Social Security records in 1952.
Over 3,485 babies have been named Dov in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dov is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,409 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The constellation Ursa Major (Great Bear) is called 'Dov Gadol' in Hebrew — the same root as the name Dov
- Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezeritch was known as the 'Great Maggid' and helped spread Hasidic Judaism across Eastern Europe after the Baal Shem Tov
- Dov Ber is a double-bear name — Dov in Hebrew and Ber in Yiddish both mean bear — used in Ashkenazi Jewish tradition
Dov in Other Languages
Arabic
دوف
Hebrew
דֹּב
English
Dov
Russian
Дов
Yiddish
דובֿ (Dov/Dob)
Popularity Over Time
#1,409
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dov
D
Dov Charney
Business
1969
Canadian-American entrepreneur, founder of American Apparel and Los Angeles Apparel
D
Dov Ber of Mezeritch
Religious
1704
The 'Great Maggid,' successor to the Baal Shem Tov and major architect of Hasidic Judaism's spread across Eastern Europe
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Compare Dov with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,409
- Total SSA Count
- 133
- Cultural Origins
- Israeli Jewish Eastern European Jewish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Israeli heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dov
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dov
What does the name Dov mean?
"bear" (from Hebrew). Dov is the Hebrew word for 'bear' (דֹּב), one of the most ancient and powerful animal names in the Semitic world. Bears appear in the Hebrew Bible as symbols of strength and ferocity — King David killed a bear to protect his sheep (I Samuel 17:34-36), and she-bears famously attacked those who mocked the prophet Elisha (II Kings 2:24). The name Dov (or Dob) has been used in Jewish communities for centuries, and in Ashkenazi naming tradition it was often combined with Ber (Yiddish for bear) as the compound name Dov Ber.
What is the origin of the name Dov?
Dov has Hebrew, Israeli, Jewish, and Eastern European Jewish origins. In Hebrew, it means "bear".
Is Dov a boy or girl name?
Dov is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Dov?
Dov is pronounced d-AHV.
How popular is the name Dov?
Dov is currently ranked #1409 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Dov?
Popular middle name pairings include Dov Aryeh, Dov Moshe, Dov Yonatan, Dov Elan, Dov Chaim, Dov Shlomo, and Dov Itai.
What are good sibling names for Dov?
Names that pair well with Dov as siblings include Aryeh, Noa, Tamar, Roni, Leah, Shira, Ori, and Ami.
How many syllables does Dov have?
Dov has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dov a common or rare name?
Dov is an uncommon name, ranked #1409 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Dov?
Are there other spellings for Dov?
Related spellings include Dovid.
About the Name Dov
Dov is a boy name with Israeli, Jewish, and Eastern European Jewish origins . The name means "bear" in Hebrew .
Dov is currently ranked #1,409 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dov has 1 syllable and is pronounced d-AHV, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Dov include Dovid . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis