Dave

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Dave

Gender Boy
Origin Hebrew
Letters 4
Syllables 2
Pronunciation Deɪv

Dave, which has 4 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of Hebrew origin.

Meaning of Dave

From the name david

Dave is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "beloved". It is a common diminutive of David.

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Meaning From the name david
Origin Hebrew
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #975 in 1993 Steady
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era Classic 50s name

Background & History of The Name Dave

The name 'Dave' is a common given name, usually used as a diminutive form of David. It is of Hebrew origin and has biblical roots. The name David can be traced back to the Old Testament, where it was given to the second king of Israel, as well as to one of the greatest biblical heroes known for defeating the giant Goliath.

As a standalone name or nickname, Dave became prominent in the English-speaking world during the 19th century. It reached its peak popularity in the mid-20th century but has remained a widely used name since then. Dave is often used as a short form for males named David, although it can also be used as a standalone name.

Common variants of the name Dave include Davey, Davie, and Davy. These variants are more commonly used in informal settings or as affectionate nicknames. The nickname can also be associated with the surname 'Davey' or 'Davies' in some cases.

People named Dave are often seen as friendly, approachable, and down-to-earth individuals. They are usually known for their reliability and dependable nature. Due to the popularity of the name, there are numerous well-known Daves in various fields such as sports, entertainment, and politics.

Additionally, Dave is a versatile name that travels well across different cultures and languages. It is recognizable and easy to pronounce in many countries, which contributes to its enduring popularity. Whether it's as a full name or a nickname, Dave continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a simple yet timeless name for their child.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Dave over the years.

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Common nicknames and short forms for Dave.

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