Holding steady, #2,607 for girls today.
Popularity of Tova since 1942
Babies named Tova per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 65 |
| 1960s | 131 |
| 1970s | 268 |
| 1980s | 448 |
| 1990s | 380 |
| 2000s | 441 |
| 2010s | 574 |
| 2020s | 433 |
Meaning & origin
Tova is a Hebrew name meaning 'good' or 'pleasant' that has been used in Jewish communities for centuries. First recorded in the U.S. in 1942, it reached its peak popularity in 2023. As of 2025 it ranks 2,607, with approximately 1 in every 24,353 newborn girls receiving the name. The name is most common in New Jersey and New York, reflecting its cultural roots. Tova's trajectory has been stable in the 2020s, suggesting a steady, if modest, appeal.
Tova is the feminine form of the Hebrew word 'tov', meaning 'good' or 'pleasant'. It is a traditional Jewish name, often given to girls born during the holiday of Purim, reflecting the phrase 'Purim Tov' (Good Purim). The name has been used in Jewish communities for centuries, with a modest presence in modern times.
Where Tova is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Tova
Names that share Tova's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Leah, Maya, Noa, Ruth, Shira, Bracha, Faiga, Hindy, Inger, Malka, Rivky, Shaindy, Bayla, Bluma, Brita, Fraida, Glada, Kisa, Leeba, Mazel, Menucha, Pessy, Blimi, Disa, Feige, Malin, Ragna, Raizel, Fruma, Ahavah, Chavie, Skadi, Stina, Teva, Ulla
Brothers: Asher, Eli, Levi, Noam, Yosef, Albin, Arvid, Shalom, Simcha, Avrum, Chesky, Hershy, Izik, Kriss, Larsen, Leib, Ruvim, Shraga, Duvid, Leibish, Meilech, Pinchus, Yidel, Aarik, Aniken, Avrumi, Eliyohu, Nachmen, Nochum, Pesach
