Dove - Name Meaning and Popularity -

Meaning of Dove

Dove takes wing straight from the English word for the gentle white bird, a creature long cherished as a messenger of peace, hope, and the Holy Spirit. The name first fluttered onto American birth records in the late-19th century, dipped out of sight for a while, and is now quietly gliding upward again—127 baby Doves arrived in 2024, enough for a respectable No. 823 spot. Because it’s a straightforward nature word, Dove feels both modern and timeless, the kind of choice that can perch comfortably beside vintage favorites like Hazel while still sounding fresh in a kindergarten roll call. Cultural touchstones abound: the biblical dove that returned to Noah with an olive leaf, artist Picasso’s Dove of Peace, and even actress-singer Dove Cameron lending a little Hollywood sparkle. Parents who pick it often love its soft sound (one crisp syllable, DOHV) and the built-in blessing of serenity it whispers over a child’s life. And if you worry the name might be too delicate, remember—doves are actually strong flyers; they just do their work without making a fuss. That’s a pretty inspiring life lesson to tuck into a tiny namesake’s pocket.