Find out how popular the first name Deva has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Deva by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Deva is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Deva being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Deva.

The history of the first name Deva

The name Deva originated from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language widely used in the Indian subcontinent. It traces its roots back to Vedic literature, which dates back to around 1500-500 BCE. The word "deva" in Sanskrit means "divine being" or "deity," referring to celestial beings or gods in Hindu mythology.

In Hinduism, the term "deva" is used to describe various deities and divine entities. The Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, extensively mention the devas as powerful entities and personifications of natural forces. The Deva Purana, an ancient Hindu text, is dedicated to the stories and accounts of various devas.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Deva can be found in ancient Hindu texts and inscriptions. The name was often used as an epithet or title for revered individuals who were considered divine or possessed exceptional qualities. Some notable historical figures with the name Deva include:

1. Deva Raya I (1268-1311), a powerful ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire in South India, known for his military conquests and patronage of art and architecture.

2. Deva Raya II (1426-1446), another Vijayanagara king, who expanded the empire's territory and encouraged religious tolerance.

3. Deva Shastri (1853-1928), an Indian scholar and writer who made significant contributions to the study of Sanskrit literature and Vedic philosophy.

4. Deva Prasad Ghose (1855-1933), an Indian lawyer and politician who played a prominent role in the Indian independence movement.

5. Deva Pria (1963-2007), an Indonesian actress and singer who was widely popular in her home country and gained recognition in the Southeast Asian entertainment industry.

The name Deva has also been used in various religious and spiritual contexts beyond Hinduism. In Buddhism, the term "deva" refers to celestial beings or deities who are believed to inhabit higher realms of existence. Similarly, in Jainism, the term is used to describe divine beings and celestial entities.

Throughout history, the name Deva has been associated with divinity, spirituality, and reverence, reflecting its Sanskrit roots and the cultural significance it holds in various religious and philosophical traditions of the Indian subcontinent.

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

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

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