Dev is a name of uncertain origin and meaning. It is believed to have originated from several different sources.
One possible source is the Hindu religion, where Dev means "god" or "heavenly". In this context, it could be used as a given name for boys, but also as a surname or title for those considered divine or heavenly.
Another possibility is that Dev comes from the Sanskrit word "deva", which also means "god" or "divine being". This word has been adopted into several languages and cultures throughout history, including Hindu mythology and Buddhism.
In some cases, Dev may also be a shortened form of other names containing the element dev, such as Devi (which means "goddess") or Devananda ("heavenly joy").
Despite its unclear origins, the name Dev has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries. It is often used as a given name for boys, but can also be used for girls.
Overall, while the exact origin and meaning of the name Dev may vary depending on the source, it is generally associated with divine or heavenly concepts and has become increasingly popular as a given name in recent years.
The name Dev has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike starting around 1998 and peaking between 2009 to 2017, reaching as high as 145 births in 2009. However, there's been a slight decrease since then, with 2020 seeing only 98 births and the past two years showing stabilization around 110 births each year. Overall, from 1969 to 2023, there have been a total of 2886 births named Dev.