Rising since 1987, #1,451 for boys today.
Popularity of Dov since 1949
Babies named Dov per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 9 |
| 1950s | 94 |
| 1960s | 123 |
| 1970s | 242 |
| 1980s | 297 |
| 1990s | 343 |
| 2000s | 605 |
| 2010s | 1,079 |
| 2020s | 831 |
Meaning & origin
Dov is a Hebrew name meaning 'bear,' with roots in the biblical animal. Though uncommon in the United States (rank 1,451 in 2025, with a 1-in-13,887 incidence), it has been steadily rising in use since 1987. The name saw its peak popularity in 2022. Dov is most frequently given in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, reflecting its strong association with Jewish communities. The name's straightforward meaning and short, strong sound make it a distinctive choice that carries cultural resonance without being burdensome.
Dov is a Hebrew masculine name meaning 'bear.' It appears in the Hebrew Bible as Dov (דוב), though it is not commonly used as a personal name in ancient texts. The name gained popularity among Jewish communities as a translation of the Yiddish name Ber, also meaning 'bear.' It has been consistently used in modern Israel and among English-speaking Jewish families.
Where Dov is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Dov” around the world
Where Dov lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dovi
Variants: Dob
Sibling names for Dov
Names that share Dov's style, for a brother or sister.
