Rising since 1986, #1,425 for boys today.
Popularity of Dev since 1969
Babies named Dev per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2009, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dev's real moment was 2024.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 56 |
| 1980s | 85 |
| 1990s | 147 |
| 2000s | 975 |
| 2010s | 1,188 |
| 2020s | 690 |
Meaning & origin
Dev is a short, modern-sounding name that has been in use since at least 1969, when it first appeared in U.S. records. Its popularity has been steadily rising since 1986, though it remains relatively rare. In 2025, it ranked 1425, with about 1 baby boy in 13,556 given the name. The name reached its peak year in 2024, reflecting continued growth. Geographically, Dev is most common in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Washington. Its meaning is often tied to the Sanskrit 'deva' (divine), though it also functions as a nickname for longer names like Devan or Devendra. As a concise, globally recognizable name, Dev appeals to parents seeking a modern yet culturally rooted choice.
Dev is widely used as a standalone given name in India and among the Indian diaspora. It is often a shortened form of names like Devan, Devendra, or Devdas, all rooted in the Sanskrit word 'deva' (divine, god). In Hindu tradition, 'deva' refers to a deity or celestial being. The name gained some wider recognition in English-speaking countries partly through the actor Dev Patel, though its use outside of Indian communities remains relatively uncommon.
Where Dev is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Dev” around the world
Where Dev lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Devy
Variants: Deyv
Sibling names for Dev
Names that share Dev's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Anya, Mira, Leela, Priya, Sita, Ahana, Ananda, Ishani, Aarohi, Anagha, Anila, Kanya, Karna, Mihira, Nandini, Sitara, Veera, Anwita, Chaitra, Chandi, Kalyani, Maanya, Mala, Malini, Rashana, Shila, Shivali, Vrinda, Shakya, Solai, Anuja, Bhavana, Bhumi, Dhruti, Kripa, Krishana, Kushi, Maitri, Nandana, Naraya, Navina, Neera, Niralya, Nishita, Ridhima, Saesha, Samriddhi, Sayana, Shantika, Srija, Vinaya
Brothers: Aarav, Ravi, Kiran, Vikram, Arjun, Ansh, Ayush, Rohan, Shiv, Siddharth, Veer, Viraj, Yash, Aadi, Anant, Arav, Daksh, Darsh, Ekam, Kartik, Moksh, Nirav, Nirvan, Param, Prem, Samay, Shalin, Shlok, Shubh, Tej, Vir, Vraj, Gurman, Gurshan, Gyan, Harshil, Kailash, Kalyan, Kirtan, Krishav, Lavan, Parag, Paras, Ranvir, Shivan, Soham, Vayu, Vishwa, Bharat, Jash, Nevaan, Ekansh, Garv, Hamsa, Janard, Kanav, Maurya, Nilay, Niranjan, Parv, Raam, Samyak, Shivin
