Tova is a Hebrew feminine given name that directly means "good." The name comes from the same root as "tov" (טוב), which appears frequently in biblical Hebrew, such as in Genesis 1:4 when God saw that light was "good" (tov).As a straightforward virtue name, Tova embodies positive qualities and reflects a cultural value on goodness in Jewish tradition. It is among a group of short, lyrical Hebrew names that have maintained steady use within Jewish communities worldwide.The most common variant is Tovah, which is essentially a homophone (the final "h" is merely a transliteration of the letter he). Other related forms include Tovit, a diminutive. While less common internationally, Tova fits a current fashion for concise, strong female names.Etymology and Biblical ConnectionsThe word "tova" is the feminine form of the Hebrew adjective "tov" meaning good. It carries moral and aesthetic weight, often translating as "good," "pleasant," or "agreeable." Notably, the biblical verse "God saw that it was good" ends with the word tov; but since Hebrew feminine nouns follow all adjectives agreed in gender, Tova parallels English virtue names like Charity or Hope.Cultural UsageTova has been a traditional Hebrew name particularly among Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe and later in Israel. Works such as Eugenio Leviné-Manteacela's Tova: A Biography Detail (1883) attest to its early presence. It is also slightly confused with Scandinavian names like Tove (from thunder) historically, though their meanings diverge strictly. Modern bearers enliven the tradition including screenwriter Tova Laiter (d. 2022) or philanthropist Tovah Silberman.Meaning: "good"Origin: HebrewType: Feminine given nameVariants: Tovah