Dev
First Name Meaning, Usage, Popularity & Related Names
Dev is a Sanskrit name meaning “god”. It is a common name, overwhelmingly used for boys, with 100% male usage.
Meaning & Origin of the name Dev
Dev is a name of Sanskrit origin meaning god or divine. It stems from the Indo-Aryan (Indian) root *deva*, which refers to a celestial being or a deity in Hindu philosophy. This term represents the concept of luminescence, paralleling the Latin root *deus* found in Indo-European linguistic history. Throughout Indian history, the name has been employed as both an invocation of the sacred and a component in larger compound names like Devdas.
Meaning Comments
- True_magiks: I love the name. It's simple, but beautiful.
Gender Usage of the Name Dev
Overall Gender Classification Methodology
Dev is overwhelmingly used as a name for boys. Approximately 100% of recorded bearers are male. This classification is supported by extensive records and is considered highly reliable.
Popularity of the Name Dev
Note: Green bars show popularity (% of births); the violet line shows historical ranking. Data is based on official government birth records. Click any chart to view details by year and region.
Overall PopularityMethodology
Dev is listed under Common Boy Names worldwide. Its popularity is relatively consistent across the available regional markets.
| Region | Popularity | Birth Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Common | 1 in every 41K births |
| United Kingdom | Common | 1 in every 6.1K births |
| Canada | Popular | 1 in every 15K births |
| Australia | Common | 1 in every 149K births |
Ranking OverviewMethodology
Dev ranked #1,020 on the Popular Boys’ Names Worldwide List (2025). It rose from #1,111 in 2024 — an improvement of 91 places. Dev shows meaningful recent movement in rank, though it remains uncommon overall.
Historically, its best recorded position was #410 in 2022. Its lowest recorded position was #6,061 in 1991. Over the last 5 years (2020–2025) the name rose 364 places (from #1,384 to #1,020).
Characteristics of the Name Dev
Pronunciation & StructureMethodology
- Phonetic Source
- CMU
- Syllables
- 1 syllable — One-Syllable Boy Names
- Length
- 3 letters — Short Boy Names
- Starts with
- D — Boy Names Starting with D
- Ends with
- v — Boy Names Ending in “v”
Name AestheticMethodology
Dev is a single-syllable name defined by its extreme brevity and sharp, percussive ending. It is famously borne by the actor Dev Patel, who has brought the name to international prominence. This association and its efficient phonetics define a Sleek & Modern aesthetic.
Middle Names For Dev
Middle names used with DevMethodology
Dev is most frequently used with these boy middle names: Dev Atit · Dev Cole · Dev Kanu · Dev Kumar · Dev RaoView all 6 boy middle names.
- Total 32 middle names used with Dev
- 4 girl middle names used with Dev
- 20 unisex middle names used with Dev
Middle name suggestions for DevMethodology
Based on observed first-middle-name pattern combinations, Dev is most frequently associated with boy middle names that have 2 syllables, Strong–Weak stress pattern, 6 letters, and a starting sound of “a”.
Examples: Dev Andrew · Dev Albert · Dev Alfred · Dev Antwan · Dev Antwon. View all 40 suggested middle names.
Names Similar to Dev
Sound Like Dev Finder
Names with the exact same overall pronunciation and sound: Dave · Davy · Davi · View all 45 names
Spelled Like Dev Finder
Names with similar spelling patterns and letter sequences: Deve · Devn
Same Starting Sound Finder
Names that begin with a similar phonetic sound: David · Daniel · Donald · View all Top 100 names
Rhymes With Dev Finder
Names that share similar ending sounds and rhymes: Steve · Dave · Aarav · View all Top 100 names
Same Rhythm & Syllables Finder
Names with matching syllable stress and pronunciation rhythm: James · John · Charles · View all Top 100 names
Dictionary & Etymology of “Dev”
Dictionary Meaning of "Dev"Methodology
A male given name from Hindi
A patronymic surname from Hindi
A diminutive of the male given name Devdas
More Info
How to Spell Dev in ASL
- D
- e
- v
Comments on the name Dev
Community CommentsShowing 5 of 5 comments
L_mauled_jad
For English speakers (like myself): I've heard this is pronounced like the word "They've", not like the first syllable in Devon. Dev pronounced the way an English speaker would do it, would be a pretty good nickname for Devon, but it'd be a different name than this (just like there are at least two different names spelled "Mira").
Geilbeertje1
Dev Patel (1980-) is the actor who played the famous roles of Anwar Kharral (Skins), Jamal Malik (Slumdog Millionaire) and Saroo Brierley (Lion).
Black_firen
Dev Patel is the star of the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
E_g_o_t_a_z
Dev Benegal is an Indian film director.
Badlysave609
It could be a nickname for Devan/Devin/Devon. My name is Devan and my family and friends sometimes call me this.