Tove

Tove is a feminine given name of Scandinavian origin, commonly used in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. The exact etymology is uncertain, but it is regarded as a Nordic name with several related forms, including Tova.

Notable people with the name include Tove Jansson (1914–2001), a Finnish author and artist best known for creating the Moomins, a beloved series of books and comic strips. Tove Ditlevsen (1917–1976) was a Danish poet and novelist whose work often explored gender, class, and personal vulnerability. Swedish singers bearing the name include Tove Lo (born 1987), whose real name is Ebba Tove Elsa Nilsson, and Tove Styrke (born 1992), who gained popularity after competing in Swedish Idol and pursuing a music career.

In film, the 2020 biographical drama Tove depicts the life of Tove Jansson, focusing on her career and relationships during mid-20th century Finland and Sweden.

Related names and variants include Tova, a closely related Nordic form used in several languages. The name Tove remains a recognizable choice in Nordic countries and among people with Scandinavian heritage, continuing to appear in literature, music, and popular culture.