Find out how popular the first name Cove has been for the last 27 years (from 1997 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cove by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Cove is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 75% of people named Cove being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 144 male babies and 93 female babies born with the name Cove.

The history of the first name Cove

The name Cove has its origins in Old English and Middle English, derived from the word "cove," which originally referred to a small coastal inlet or bay. It is believed to have been used as a surname initially, referring to people who lived near or worked in such coastal areas.

In its earliest recorded use as a given name, Cove appears to have emerged in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly in England and parts of the British Isles. Some historical records suggest it may have been used as a diminutive or nickname for names like Coventry or Coveney.

While not commonly found in ancient texts or religious scriptures, the name Cove does have a few notable historical references. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Cove Jones, an English sailor and explorer who was part of Sir Walter Raleigh's expeditions to the Americas in the late 16th century.

Another prominent figure was Cove Sydenham (1615-1654), an English parliamentarian and supporter of Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Commonwealth of England.

In the 18th century, Cove Borlase (1738-1809) was a prominent English antiquarian and naturalist, known for his contributions to the study of geology and Cornish history.

Moving into the 19th century, Cove Higginson (1823-1911) was an American author, minister, and abolitionist, who wrote extensively about social reforms and served as a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

More recently, Cove Cameron (1925-2001) was an American actor and stuntman, best known for his work in Western films and television shows, including appearances in popular series like "Gunsmoke" and "Bonanza."

While not an exhaustive list, these examples illustrate the historical presence and use of the name Cove across different periods and contexts, ranging from exploration and military service to literature and the arts.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cove was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cove, please contact us.

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