The name Davis is a popular surname with Welsh origins, meaning “son of David,” a given name that means “beloved.” In the United States, Davis is one of the ten most common surnames. However, the variant Davies is barely in the top 1,000 most common last names. In Great Britain, this surname popularity is reversed.
Davis is a fresh way to say David. Some sources define it as “son of David,” but we see it as a surname spin on the original. While David is an everyman name, Davis has some creative edge — and still gets you to the classic guy nickname Dave. The Welsh Davis surname is a patronymic, meaning “son of David.” Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name “David,” meaning “beloved,” the name became a popular given name throughout Medieval Europe due to the biblical King David of Israel.
Davis is a name that has a rich history and a significant meaning. Whether you have the name yourself or are interested in its origins, this article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Davis name meaning. From its Welsh roots to its popularity in the United States, we will explore the various aspects of this name and its significance.
The Origin of Davis Name
Hebrew Roots
The Davis surname has its roots in the Hebrew name “David,” which means “beloved.” This name became popular throughout Medieval Europe due to the biblical King David of Israel. The surname Davis is a patronymic, meaning “son of David.” It is believed that the Davis surname originated in Wales, where it was commonly used as a given name.
Welsh Roots
The Davis surname is also commonly associated with Welsh origins. It is one of the ten most common surnames in the United States, with the variant Davies barely making it into the top 1,000 most common last names. In Great Britain, this surname popularity is reversed. The spelling Davis is more typical in southwestern England northwards as far as Lancashire where the frequency of the surname largely reflects Welsh migration but may sometimes represent a native English surname based on Davy (compare Davies).
The Davis surname is often linked to the Welsh patronymic naming system, which was commonly used in Wales until the late 16th century. Under this system, a child’s surname was based on their father’s first name. For example, the son of David would be known as “David’s son” or “Davies.” Over time, this evolved into the modern-day Davis surname.
Overall, the Davis surname has a rich history with both Hebrew and Welsh roots. Its popularity has spread throughout the world, with many people proudly carrying the name as a symbol of their heritage and identity.
Meaning of Davis
Davis is a surname of Welsh origin that means “son of David,” a given name that means “beloved.” The name Davis is used both as a boy’s name and a girl’s name of Hebrew origin that means “beloved.”
Davis is a fresh way to say David, and some sources define it as a surname spin on the original. While David is an everyman name, Davis has some creative edge, and still gets you to the classic guy nickname Dave.
Davis is a popular name in the United States, and it is one of the ten most common surnames. However, the variant Davies is barely in the top 1,000 most common last names. In Great Britain, this surname popularity is reversed.
Overall, Davis is a simple yet meaningful name that has a strong tie to Welsh and Hebrew cultures. If you are looking for a name that is both classic and modern, Davis might be the perfect choice for your child.
Popularity of Davis Name
In the United States
Davis is a popular surname in the United States and is also used as a given name. According to BabyCenter user data, Davis was ranked #585 in popularity in 2023, which is a significant increase from its rank of #965 in 2010. In the United States, Davis is one of the ten most common surnames.
Globally
The popularity of the Davis name is not limited to the United States. It is a name that is well-known and used globally. In Great Britain, the popularity of the surname is reversed, with the variant Davies being more common.
The name Davis is of Scottish origin and means “son of David.” David is a Hebrew name that means “beloved.” The name Davis is a fresh way to say David and is a modern take on tradition.
Overall, the Davis name has seen an increase in popularity in recent years and is a name that is both classic and modern.
Famous People Named Davis
The name Davis has been used by many famous people throughout history. Here are a few notable individuals with the name Davis:
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Miles Davis: A legendary American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. He is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
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Viola Davis: An American actress and producer who has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award. She is known for her powerful performances in films such as “The Help” and “Fences,” as well as the TV series “How to Get Away with Murder.”
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Geena Davis: An American actress, producer, and former model who is known for her roles in films such as “Thelma & Louise,” “A League of Their Own,” and “Beetlejuice.” She is also an advocate for gender equality in media and founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.
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Bette Davis: An American actress who was one of the biggest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She appeared in over 100 films throughout her career and won two Academy Awards for Best Actress.
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Angela Davis: An American political activist, philosopher, and author who is known for her work in the civil rights movement and her advocacy for prison reform. She was a prominent member of the Black Panther Party and has written several books on social justice issues.
These are just a few examples of the many famous people who have been named Davis. The name has been used by individuals in a variety of fields, including music, acting, activism, and more.
Davis in Different Languages
The name Davis is a popular surname with Welsh origins, meaning “son of David,” which is derived from the Hebrew name “David,” meaning “beloved.” The name has variations in different languages and cultures around the world. Here are some examples:
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English: The name Davis is a common English surname, with a popularity that has remained consistent over the years. It is also used as a given name for boys.
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Welsh: The Welsh version of Davis is “Davies,” which is also a common surname in Wales. It is pronounced “DAY-viss.”
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Spanish: In Spanish, the name Davis is spelled “Davís,” and is pronounced “da-VEES.” It is not a very common name in Spanish-speaking countries.
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French: In French, the name Davis is spelled “Davies,” and is pronounced “dah-VEEZ.” It is not a very common name in France.
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German: In German, the name Davis is spelled “Davies,” and is pronounced “DAH-vees.” It is not a very common name in Germany.
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Italian: In Italian, the name Davis is spelled “Davide,” and is pronounced “dah-VEE-deh.” It is a common given name in Italy.
Overall, the name Davis is a popular surname with Welsh origins, but it has variations in different languages and cultures. Whether you spell it “Davis,” “Davies,” or “Davide,” the name has a rich history and meaning behind it.