A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Cova since 1913
Babies named Cova per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2024, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cova's real moment was 1913.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 50 |
| 1920s | 42 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 8 |
| 2020s | 27 |
Meaning & origin
Cova is a rare Spanish name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1913 and ranked #7885 in 2025, with about 1 in 123,636 baby girls receiving the name. Though it peaked in its first year, its trajectory shows a rise since 2022, likely due to a broader revival of vintage names from the 1910s. The name has no recorded top states, reflecting its scarcity across all regions. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is thought to be a shortened form of Covadonga, referencing a famous Marian shrine in Spain, lending it subtle religious heritage. Parents drawn to unique, place-inspired names might consider Cova for its quiet history and gentle sound.
Cova is a name of uncertain origin, most plausibly a short form of Covadonga, which derives from the Spanish place name Covadonga, meaning 'cave of the lady' (from cueva 'cave' and domina 'lady'). The site is a famous Marian shrine in Asturias, Spain. Usage as a standalone name is rare and modern, first appearing in records in the 1910s. It has seen a slight revival in recent years.
Sibling names for Cova
Names that share Cova's style, for a brother or sister.
