Boy Name
Dov
Dov means “Bear”. It is used as a boy's name across several naming traditions, and it is rare in the United States today — outside the SSA top 1,000.
Origin and meaning: English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0). Popularity: US Social Security Administration.
Dov — a boy name — is an uncommon, standout choice. Its meaning, "Bear", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Duff is on your shortlist, Dov belongs in the same conversation.
Dov meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Bear
Origin: Multiple naming traditions are associated with this name.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Dov as D·O·V, with 3 letters and a boy usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Dov is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Dov variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Dova, Dove, Dovy.
- Nicknames: Dov works as its own nickname.
- Middle names: Pair Dov with a middle name that balances its short sound; start with the Dov middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Duff, Davy, Duffy, Dava, Davie — full picks on the sibling names for Dov guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Dov? Browse our names like Dov guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Dov
What does the name Dov mean?
Dov means "Bear". The meaning is recorded in English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0), and in US records Dov is used as a boy name.
What is the origin of Dov?
The exact origin of Dov is debated, but it has been used across multiple naming traditions.
How do you pronounce Dov?
Dov has 3 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Dov a boy's or girl's name?
Dov is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Dov in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Dov sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Dov?
Names that share Dov's sound and style include Duff, Davy, Duffy, Dava, Davie.
What middle names pair well with Dov?
Good middle-name fits for Dov pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Dov is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Dov is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Dov?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Dov share its rhythm without rhyming — Duff, Davy, Duffy all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.