NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Tovah

What is the origin of the name Tovah?

The origin of the Hebrew name Tovah can be traced back to the Old Testament of the Bible. It is derived from the Hebrew word "tov" which means "good" or "pleasant." In biblical texts, Tovah is used as a descriptive term for things that are good or valuable, such as in Genesis 2:9 where it refers to the Tree of Life being "tov me'od," very good. As a given name, Tovah has been used throughout Jewish history and continues to be popular among Jews today.

Learn more about the origin of the name Tovah

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Tovah

Tovah is a Hebrew name that has its origins in the Bible. The name is derived from the Hebrew word "tovah," which means "good" or "pleasant." In biblical contexts, Tovah often refers to something good or valuable. As a personal name, Tovah has been used for both males and females throughout Jewish history. Notable figures with this name include Tova Friedman, an Israeli peace activist, and Tovah Feldshuh, an American actress. The name is cherished among Jews for its biblical significance and positive connotation. It signifies a person who embodies goodness and positivity, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a meaningful and traditional name for their child.

Character traits associated with the name Tovah

Tovah is a Hebrew name, typically given to girls, meaning "goodness" or "beauty." Individuals named Tovah are often perceived as compassionate, caring, and kind due to their innate qualities of goodness. They value strong relationships and are known for their ability to empathize with others' feelings and needs. Tovah individuals possess a deep sense of responsibility and are dedicated to their commitments. They tend to be hardworking and strive for excellence in all areas of life, whether it be in personal or professional endeavors. Additionally, they are known for their creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to find innovative solutions to challenges that come their way. Overall, Tovah is a name that represents qualities of benevolence, diligence, and intelligence.

Popularity of the name Tovah

The name Tovah is primarily of Hebrew origin and has roots in biblical tradition, making it popular within Jewish communities. Although not as common in broader Western cultures, it still holds a significant presence among Jewish names due to its meaning: "good" or "beautiful." In contemporary times, the name has gained some recognition outside of its traditional context, appearing occasionally in various parts of the world. However, its popularity remains relatively low compared to more common names globally. The name Tovah is a unique choice for those seeking a name with historical and cultural significance, yet it maintains an air of rarity in many modern settings.

Famous people with the name Tovah

Tovah Feldshuh is a renowned American actress, best known for her roles on Broadway and television. She won a Tony Award nomination for Yentl and portrayed Golda Meir on stage and screen. Another notable figure with the name Tovah is Tovah Paglen, an American visual artist who collaborates with her father, geographer James Galen Paglen, and explores themes of technology, surveillance, and privacy in her work. In music, Tovah Rothenberg is a composer and musicologist specializing in early music, who served as the Director of the Center for Early Music at Harvard University. These notable individuals, each with the name Tovah, have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Variations of the name Tovah

Tovah is primarily a Hebrew name, derived from the Hebrew word "תובה" which means "goodness," "beauty," or "grace." The name can have various spellings and variations, such as:

* Toiva (Finnish)
* Toivo (Finnish and Estonian)
* Tove (Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, Icelandic)
* Toveja (Estonian)
* Tovi (Hungarian)
* Tóbia (Portuguese, Spanish, Italian)
* Tobie (French)
* Tobiáš (Czech)
* Tobiás (German, Polish)
* Toby (English)
* Tobiasz (Polish)
* Tobiaš (Slovene)
* Tobias (Scandinavian, English, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Spanish)

These variations reflect the adaptations of Hebrew names into different languages over time. Some variations have evolved to be used as given names in their own right, while others may still primarily function as diminutives or nicknames based on the original name Tovah.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Tova (First name)

forenames > tova

The name Tova has Hebrew origins. It is a feminine Hebrew name meaning "good" or "beautiful" in the original Hebrew language. It is often given to girls and women as a first name i...