Find out how popular the first name Dover has been for the last 1 years (from 2022 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dover by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Dover is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dover.

The history of the first name Dover

The name Dover is believed to have originated from the Old English word "dofre," which means a dove or pigeon. This name likely emerged in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, around the 5th to 11th centuries AD. It may have been used to refer to someone who kept or bred doves, or someone who lived near an area with a large population of these birds.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Dover comes from the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land and property ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. In this record, there is mention of a place called "Dovere," which is believed to be the modern-day town of Dover in Kent, England.

The name Dover has a long history in England, with several notable individuals bearing this name throughout the centuries. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Dover, a Benedictine monk and scholar who lived in the late 11th century and was known for his contributions to the field of theology.

Another notable figure was William Dover (1516-1605), an English physician and pharmacist who is credited with developing a popular powder mixture known as "Dover's Powder," which was used for treating pain and fever. This powder contained opium and ipecacuanha, and was widely used in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In the 19th century, there was Robert Dover (1575-1652), an English lawyer and writer who is best known for reviving the ancient Cotswold Games, a series of athletic competitions and festivities held in the Cotswold Hills of England.

A more recent historical figure with the name Dover was Joseph Dover (1834-1919), a British civil engineer who played a significant role in the construction of the London Underground railway system.

Additionally, there was Frederick Dover (1895-1980), a British artist and illustrator who was known for his paintings of rural landscapes and scenes from daily life in England.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Dover throughout history, highlighting its long-standing presence and significance within English culture and society.

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

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

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