"dove bird, symbol of peace"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Dove
Pronunciation: [ d-UHV ]
Does Dove flow with your last name?
A peaceful nature name with universal spiritual symbolism
English
American
Gentle
Whimsical
Unique
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Same sound, same style — different options
Meaning & Origin
"Holy Spirit"
Origin: Christian symbolism
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Dove is primarily known as a girls name and a soap brand, which may cause confusion when used for boys
The Story of Dove
Dove as a given name comes directly from the English word for the bird, which traces back to Old English dufe and ultimately Proto-Germanic dubaz. The dove has been a universal symbol of peace, purity, and the Holy Spirit in Christianity, appearing in the story of Noahs Ark and the baptism of Jesus. As a masculine name, Dove is an unconventional nature name choice.
Dove as a boys name is extraordinarily rare. While Dove has seen some renewed interest as a girls name (boosted by actress Dove Cameron), using it for boys remains highly unconventional and is associated with the growing gender-neutral nature naming movement.
In many world religions and cultures, the dove symbolizes peace, hope, and the divine spirit. In Christianity, a dove descended on Jesus at his baptism. In Ancient Greek mythology, doves were sacred to Aphrodite. This rich symbolism makes the name carry deep spiritual weight.
Historical Record
Dove first appeared in US Social Security records in 1962.
Over 15 babies have been named Dove in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dove is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #32,794 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The dove was adopted as the international symbol of peace largely through Pablo Picassos 1949 lithograph La Colombe
- Dove Cameron, born Chloe Celeste Hosterman, adopted Dove as her professional name after her late father called her his little dove
Dove in Other Languages
Arabic
Hamama
French
Colombe
Hebrew
Yona
Italian
Colomba
Spanish
Paloma
Popularity Over Time
#32,794
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Dove with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #32,794
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Distinctive pick, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Distinctive pick, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Distinctive pick, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dove
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Dove is also used as a girl name, ranked #1632.
View Dove as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Nahuatl origin
"serpent, twin (from coatl)"
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Germanic origin
"bold traveler"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dove
What does the name Dove mean?
"dove bird, symbol of peace" (from Old English). "Holy Spirit" (from Christian symbolism). Dove as a given name comes directly from the English word for the bird, which traces back to Old English dufe and ultimately Proto-Germanic dubaz. The dove has been a universal symbol of peace, purity, and the Holy Spirit in Christianity, appearing in the story of Noahs Ark and the baptism of Jesus. As a masculine name, Dove is an unconventional nature name choice.
What is the origin of the name Dove?
Dove has Old English, Christian symbolism, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "dove bird, symbol of peace". In Christian symbolism, it means "Holy Spirit".
Is Dove a boy or girl name?
Dove is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #32794. As a girl name, it is ranked #1632. Dove is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Dove?
Dove is pronounced d-UHV.
How popular is the name Dove?
Dove is currently ranked #32794 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Dove?
Popular middle name pairings include Dove James, Dove William, Dove Lee, Dove Michael, Dove River, Dove Grey, and Dove Finn.
What are good sibling names for Dove?
Names that pair well with Dove as siblings include Wren, Robin, Jay, Martin, Swift, Finch, and Lark.
How many syllables does Dove have?
Dove has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dove a common or rare name?
Dove is an uncommon name, ranked #32794 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Dove?
About the Name Dove
Dove is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "dove bird, symbol of peace" in Old English .
Is Dove a boy or girl name? Dove is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #32,794 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,632. Dove is more commonly used as a girl name.
Dove is currently ranked #32,794 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dove has 1 syllable and is pronounced d-UHV, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Dove include Dovid, Dov . 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