Tovah is an alternate transcription of the Hebrew name טוֹבָה (Tova), which means "good" in Hebrew.
The name Tova 1 derives from the Hebrew word tov (טוֹב), which is frequently used in the Bible to describe goodness, morality, and pleasantness. For example, in Genesis 1:31, God sees creation as "very good" (tov me'od). Tovah shares this meaning, conveying a positive and virtuous quality.
As a feminine given name common among Hebrew-speaking populations, Tovah is also found in global Jewish diaspora communities. Regional variations include Tova, Tovit, or Toviya (masculine). The name's biblical associations draw from female bearers such as Tovah referred to in Neh. 6:18 (though spelled טוֹב, see footnote as etymological suggestion) but not widely recorded as primary name historically.
Notable Bearers
- Tovah Feldshuh is an American actress and singer, known for her four-time Tony Award nomination & roles on Law & Order & The Walking Dead.
Cultural Significance
While Tovah emphasizes an upright moral compass, Hebrew-derived names from the noun tovah ("benefit, good, well-being") survived in modern efforts to revive the Hebrew language and reinforce biblical foundations of Israel across religious streams. Its alternate version underscores multicultural adaptation of classic Hebrew forms.
- Meaning: good
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Feminine first name, variant transcription
- Primary Regions: Israel, Jewish diaspora