Rising since 2016, #5,099 for girls today.
Popularity of Kova since 2016
Babies named Kova per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 53 | 55 |
| 2020s | 117 | 58 |
Meaning & origin
Kova entered U.S. baby name records in 2016 and has since climbed steadily in usage. Currently ranked 5,099th with a rate of 1 in 64,291 births, the name reached its peak popularity in 2024. Its trajectory shows consistent growth, rising each year since its debut. The meaning remains uncertain, possibly tied to the Finnish word 'kova' meaning 'hard' or 'strong', but it is most likely a modern coinage. The name has not yet appeared in top state rankings. Kova's short, vowel-ending sound fits a trend toward concise, unisex names that appeal to parents seeking something fresh and distinctive.
Kova first appeared in U.S. records in 2016. It may be a borrowing from Finnish 'kova' (hard, strong) or a modern coinage inspired by its sound. The name saw a surge in use starting in the late 2010s, rising in popularity each year since its debut.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kov
Sibling names for Kova
Names that share Kova's style, for a brother or sister.

