Find out how popular the first name Coven has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Coven by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Coven is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Coven.

The history of the first name Coven

The name Coven is believed to have originated from the Old English word "cofen," which means "chamber" or "room." It was initially used to refer to a small group of people who gathered together in a private or secluded place, often for religious or spiritual purposes.

In the Middle Ages, the term "coven" became closely associated with groups of witches or practitioners of pagan rituals. This association likely stemmed from the secretive nature of their gatherings and the prevailing fear and suspicion surrounding such practices during that time period.

While there are no definitive historical records of individuals bearing the name Coven as a first name, it is possible that some may have adopted it as a symbolic or descriptive name, particularly among those associated with pagan or witchcraft traditions.

One of the earliest known references to the term "coven" can be found in the 16th-century writings of Scottish scholar and historian George Buchanan, who mentioned "covins" (plural form) in the context of witchcraft and sorcery.

In the 17th century, the name Coven gained notoriety during the Salem Witch Trials in colonial Massachusetts. Several individuals accused of witchcraft were said to have attended "coven meetings," further cementing the association between the name and occult practices.

Throughout history, the name Coven has appeared in various works of literature and popular culture, often used to evoke a sense of mystery, secrecy, or supernatural elements. Some notable examples include:

1. Coven Gale, a character in the novel "The Coven" by Edward Woodward (1966).
2. Coven Macbeth, a character in the play "The Tragedy of Macbeth" by William Shakespeare (circa 1606).
3. Coven Ravenwood, a character in the video game series "Warcraft" (1994 - present).
4. Coven Blackheart, a villain in the Marvel Comics universe, first appearing in "Avengers" #115 (1973).
5. Coven Atkins, a character in the novel "The Witching Hour" by Anne Rice (1990).

It is important to note that while the name Coven has been associated with occult practices and fictional characters, its historical usage as a first name remains relatively obscure, likely due to its strong connotations and potential controversies surrounding its meaning.

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 Coven was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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