MallowbyNames

Kova

KOH-vah · of uncertain origin; may derive from Finnish 'kova' meaning 'hard' or 'strong', or be a modern invented name

2025 rank (girls)
#5,099
Babies named in 2025
25
Peak popularity
2024
2025 frequency
1 in 64,291 girls
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Rising since 2016

Rising since 2016, #5,099 for girls today.

Popularity of Kova since 2016

Babies named Kova per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1223352020Most births 2024GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
2010s5355
2020s11758

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.

Sisters: Nora, Lena, Vera, Mila, Ava

Brothers: Leo, Finn, Kai, Milo, Owen

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Kova, our favorite little person.

K is for Kova…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Kova's letter becomes Kova's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Kova's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kova mean?
The meaning of Kova is uncertain. It may be derived from the Finnish word 'kova', meaning 'hard' or 'strong', or it could be a modern invented name without a specific meaning.
How popular is the name Kova?
As of 2025, Kova ranks 5,099th in the U.S., with approximately 1 in 64,291 newborns given the name. Its popularity has been rising since it first appeared in records in 2016.
Is Kova a boy's or girl's name?
Kova is considered unisex, used for both boys and girls in the United States.