Dev
Male nameSanskrit
✨ Meaning
Dev comes from the Sanskrit 'deva,' meaning god or divine being, from a root meaning to shine. The same root produced the Latin 'deus' and the Greek 'theos,' which makes Dev a direct cousin of a great many European words for the divine. In Indian usage the word can name a god, describe something heavenly, or serve as a respectful element inside longer names.
🌍 Origin
Dev has been used in India for centuries both as a name in its own right and as the first or last element of compounds such as Devraj and Mahadev. It is common across Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and Marathi communities, and its single closed syllable has helped it travel easily to Britain, North America and East Africa with the Indian diaspora.
⭐ Famous People Named Dev
- Dev Patel
- Dev Anand
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dev mean?
Dev means 'god' or 'divine' in Sanskrit, from a root meaning to shine that also produced the Latin 'deus.'
Is Dev a standalone name?
Yes. It is used on its own and also as an element in longer compound names such as Devraj.
How is Dev pronounced?
It rhymes with the English word 'save' shortened to one clipped syllable, roughly DAYV, though many English speakers say DEV.