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The Israeli Names Portal

דב


Meaning of the name דב

The name Dov is a unique and ancient Hebrew name directly connected to the animal kingdom - the bear, a large and mighty creature that also appears in the Bible. It is a short, single-syllable name carrying profound meanings of strength, courage, and protection. In Biblical Hebrew, the bear symbolizes not only physical power but also bravery and determination, appearing in various contexts as a symbol of force and threat. The name Dov was common among European Jews, especially in regions where bears were familiar forest dwellers. In Ashkenazi Jewish culture, Dov was often a compound name - "Dov Ber" or "Dov-Ber," where "Ber" is the Yiddish word for bear. This combination emphasized the connection to the strength and power that the bear represents. Throughout generations, the name expressed hope that the child would grow to be strong, courageous, and protective of his family and community. In the Bible, the bear appears several times as a symbol of power and danger. King David describes his struggle with a bear as a young shepherd, and the prophet Elisha mentions bears in his miracle story. In the Book of Proverbs, the bear serves as a metaphor for anger and danger. All these contributed to the perception of the bear as a powerful symbol in Jewish culture. In modern times, the name Dov has regained popularity in Israel, where it is seen as an authentic Israeli-traditional name, connecting historical past with the present. The name conveys a sense of stability, strength, and deep rootedness, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a short, meaningful name with strong character.

The name דב with vowels

דֹּב

The name דב in English

Dov | Dobb | Dove

דב is mainly suitable for

Boy

Is the name דב considered international

No

Origin of the name דב from the Bible

1 Samuel 17:34-35 - And David said unto Saul: 'Thy servant kept his father's sheep; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth'

Origin of the name דב from Kabbalah

In Kabbalah, the name Dov represents inner strength and spiritual power inherent in a person. The bear, as an animal living between forest and cave, symbolizes the ability to move between worlds - between matter and spirit, between consciousness and subconscious. The name carries the energy of spiritual protection and the strength to face challenges.

Gematria value for the name דב

6

=

4

ד

+

2

ב

Numerology value for the name דב

6

=

4

ד

+

2

ב

=

6

Famous people named דב

Dov Glickman - Israeli actor, comedian and politician | Yitzhak Navon (Dov) - Fifth President of Israel | Dov Alfon - Israeli singer and musician | Dov Hos - Israeli conductor and composer | Dov Lior - Israeli rabbi and Rosh Yeshiva | Dov Khenin - Israeli politician and peace activist

Names similar to דב

Total times the name דב was registered

4442 times

Graph of the name דב

* Source: Central Bureau of Statistics. As of April 2022