Find out how popular the first name Tove has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tove by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 14 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tove.

The history of the first name Tove

The name Tove has its roots in Scandinavia, particularly in the Old Norse language. It is derived from the Old Norse word "tófa," which means "tuft" or "clump of grass." In the Old Norse culture, names often drew inspiration from nature, and Tove was likely originally used as a nickname or descriptive name related to the natural world.

Tove gained popularity as a given name in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of literary works from the 13th century that provide insights into the culture and history of medieval Iceland and Norway.

During the Viking Age, the name Tove was not uncommon among Scandinavian women. It is believed that some notable Viking women may have borne this name, though historical records from that period are scarce and often incomplete.

In the 16th century, Tove Galt, a Norwegian noblewoman, was a prominent figure in Norwegian history. She played a significant role in the Reformation in Norway and is known for her support of the Protestant movement.

Another historical figure named Tove was Tove Ditlevsen, a Danish author and poet who lived from 1917 to 1976. She is considered one of the most influential Danish writers of the 20th century and is renowned for her autobiographical works that explored themes of love, loneliness, and mental illness.

In the realm of art, Tove Jansson, a Finnish novelist, painter, and illustrator, gained international recognition for creating the beloved Moomin characters and stories. She lived from 1914 to 2001 and is regarded as one of Finland's most celebrated artists and writers.

Tove Maes, a Belgian singer and songwriter born in 1975, has also gained prominence in the music industry. She has released several successful albums and is known for her unique blend of pop and folk music.

While the name Tove has maintained its roots in Scandinavia, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with strong cultural ties to the Nordic regions.

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

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

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