Dove

The surname Dove has English origins and is derived from the Old English word "dūfe," which means dove, a symbol of peace and love. The surname is classified as a topographical surname, indicating a person who lived near a dove cot or house where doves were kept.

The name Dove is widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in areas such as Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Kent. Variants of the surname include Dov, Dovedale, and Duff.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Dove include Sir Ralph Dove, an English diplomat, and Major General Sir John Dove, a British Army officer.

Over the centuries, the Dove surname has branched into different lineages, each with its own history and coat of arms. The Dove family crest typically features a dove, symbolising peace and tranquillity, often depicted with an olive branch in its beak.

In modern times, the surname Dove continues to be prevalent in the UK and around the world. It serves as a reminder of the peaceful connotations associated with the dove and is a testament to the rich history and heritage of British families bearing this name.

There are approximately 6,335 people named Dove in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,496th most common surname in Britain. Around 97 in a million people in Britain are named Dove.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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