Cove is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'crof', which means "bay" or "small valley". The name Cove is strongly associated with bodies of water, particularly small bays or inlets that are often found along coastal areas.
The history of the name Cove is not as well-documented as some other names, but it has been used as a given name since at least the 19th century. It was more commonly used as a surname prior to this period, and it is still found today as both a given name and a surname in many English-speaking countries.
One notable bearer of the name Cove was American musician and songwriter, Ian Kevin "Larry" Cove (1942-2016), who was a member of the rock band The Electric Prunes. This may have helped to popularize the use of the name as a given name in recent decades.
Today, Cove is still a relatively uncommon name, but it continues to be used by parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children. Its connection to the natural world and its beautiful sound make it an appealing choice for many people.
In summary, Cove is a rare and distinctive English given name with a strong association to bodies of water. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word 'crof', and while its history as a given name is not extensive, it has been used since at least the 19th century. Despite being uncommon, Cove remains an appealing choice for those looking for a unique and meaningful name with a beautiful sound.
The name Cove has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades, with a total of 882 babies born with this name in the United States between 1997 and 2023.
Initially, the number of births with the name Cove remained relatively low, with only five births recorded each year from 1997 to 2006. However, starting in 2008, there was a notable increase, with 15 babies named Cove born that year.
The popularity of the name continued to rise steadily throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, reaching 19 births in 2011. The years 2012 and 2013 saw a further increase, with 28 births each year.
The most significant surge in popularity for the name Cove occurred between 2015 and 2022. In 2015, there were 53 babies named Cove, more than doubling the number of births compared to the previous year. This trend continued, with record-breaking years of 82 births in 2019, 72 births in both 2020 and 2021, and an astonishing 135 births in 2022.
The most recent data from 2023 shows that the popularity of the name Cove has remained high, with 144 babies born with this name. This demonstrates a continued interest in the name among parents in the United States.