Beloved
A short form of the Hebrew name David, meaning beloved. While David remains a perennial classic, the standalone nickname Dave peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century and is now considered a vintage choice.
About 55 boys were named Dave in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Lead singer of Foo Fighters and drummer for Nirvana
Award-winning stand-up comedian and actor
Influential jazz pianist and composer
Actor and former professional wrestler
Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer and editor
The main protagonist and astronaut · 2001: A Space Odyssey
The last surviving human in space · Red Dwarf
Major League Baseball Hall of Famer
The same feel as Dave — far less common.
Hidden gems that stand out.
