Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Dev
BoySanskrit, Hindi· “god, deity”
- Meaning
- god, deity
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- DAYV
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,427
- US babies 2025
- 126
- Best rank
- #1,235 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Dev
Dev is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “god, deity”.
Dev comes from the Sanskrit deva, meaning god or divine being, a word related to the Latin deus. It is a common name in India and among Indian families worldwide, often used alone or as part of longer names like Devendra or Devraj. The name is short, strong and easy to pronounce in many languages, which gives it wide appeal. In English-speaking countries it can also serve as a nickname for Devin or Devon. Its spiritual meaning and crisp sound make it a popular choice for modern parents.
Popularity over time
Dev first appears in US Social Security records in 1969. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,235 in 2009, the same year it reached its highest count of 145 babies. In 2025, 126 babies were named Dev, and it ranked #1,427 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,915 in 1980, #2,345 in 2000, #1,450 in 2010, and #1,427 in 2025. Of the 3,146 US boys named Dev since records began, 38% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 975 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Gerson, Marek, Grayden, Leyton, and Blayne.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dev ranked highest in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #528 | 14 |
| Massachusetts | #638 | 7 |
| Washington | #748 | 8 |
| Maryland | #836 | 5 |
| California | #1047 | 20 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Dev is usually pronounced DAYV, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with D and ends in “-ev”.
Middle names for Dev
A few middle names that flow with Dev: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dev
Similar names
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Lists that include Dev
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dev mean?
Dev is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “god, deity”.
What is the origin of the name Dev?
Dev has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Dev comes from the Sanskrit deva, meaning god or divine being, a word related to the Latin deus.
Is Dev a popular name?
Not especially. Dev ranked #1,427 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Dev a boy or girl name?
Dev is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Dev?
Dev is usually pronounced DAYV. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings