MallowbyNames

Tove

TOH-veh · Beautiful or beloved; of uncertain origin, possibly derived from Old Norse or related to the name Thyra.

2025 rank (girls)
#6,546
Babies named in 2025
17
Peak popularity
2023
2025 frequency
1 in 94,545 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2013

Rising since 2013, #6,546 for girls today.

Popularity of Tove since 1930

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

7132019602000Most births 2023Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1930s5
1940s0
1950s12
1960s28
1970s29
1980s27
1990s5
2000s17
2010s58
2020s98

Meaning & origin

Tove is a Scandinavian name of uncertain origin, possibly meaning 'beautiful' or 'beloved'. It has a long history in Nordic royalty, with revival in recent decades. In the U.S., the name has been rising since 2013, with a peak rank of #6,546 in 2025, where it saw 1 in 94,545 births. It remains relatively rare, with no top states, but its gentle sound and Nordic heritage appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet traditional name.

Tove is a Scandinavian name, particularly common in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it may derive from Old Norse elements meaning 'beautiful' or 'beloved', or it could be a short form of names like Thyra. Historically, it has been borne by several medieval Danish queens and noblewomen, giving it a regal association in the Nordic region.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Tova, Tovey

Variants: Tova

Sibling names for Tove

Names that share Tove's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Ingrid, Astrid, Sigrid, Freja, Liv

Brothers: Erik, Lars, Nils, Sven, Bjorn, Sten

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

T is for Tove, our favorite little girl.

T is for Tove…”

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

Make Tove's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Tove mean?
Tove likely means 'beautiful' or 'beloved', though its exact origin is uncertain and may be related to Old Norse or the name Thyra.
How popular is the name Tove?
As of 2025, Tove ranks #6,546 in the U.S., with approximately 1 in 94,545 newborns given the name. It has been rising in use since 2013 and is most popular in the 2020s.
Is Tove a boy or girl name?
Tove is primarily used as a girl's name in Scandinavia and other countries.