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

Popularity of Tova by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Tova is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 94 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tova.

The history of the first name Tova

The name Tova is of Hebrew origin and is believed to have derived from the biblical Hebrew word "tov," meaning "good" or "pleasing." It is a feminine name that has been in use since ancient times in Jewish communities across the Middle East and Europe.

The earliest known reference to the name Tova can be traced back to the Hebrew Bible, where it is mentioned as the name of a woman in the Book of Samuel. In the biblical text, Tova is described as the daughter of Shammah and the wife of Elkanah, who also had another wife named Hannah.

During the Middle Ages, the name Tova gained popularity among Jewish communities in Europe, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe. It was commonly used in Yiddish-speaking communities, often spelled as "Tovah" or "Tove."

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Tova dates back to the 13th century, when a woman named Tova bat Avraham lived in the city of Worms, Germany. She was a renowned scholar and is mentioned in several medieval Jewish texts.

In the 16th century, a prominent Jewish scholar and physician named Tova Cohen Undereyzer lived in Italy. She was known for her expertise in medicine and her contributions to the study of the Talmud.

Another notable figure in history who bore the name Tova was Tova Armon, an Israeli filmmaker and writer born in 1937. She is known for her award-winning documentary films that explored various aspects of Israeli society and culture.

In the 20th century, Tova Ringer was a renowned Israeli artist and sculptor born in 1935. Her works were exhibited in various galleries and museums around the world, and she is celebrated for her unique style and artistic vision.

Tova Feldshuh, born in 1951, is an American actress and playwright of Jewish descent. She has had a successful career on stage, television, and in films, and is particularly known for her portrayal of powerful and complex female characters.

While the name Tova has its roots in the ancient Hebrew language and Jewish culture, it has also gained popularity among non-Jewish communities in various parts of the world, particularly in Israel and certain European countries.

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

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

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