Davina
Davina Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/də.ˈviː.nə/
Meaning of Davina: Davina is a Scottish feminine form of David, the Hebrew name "Dawid" meaning "beloved" or "dear one" from the root "dod" (beloved, uncle). According to Online Etymology Dictionary, David derives from a common Semitic root indicating deep affection, giving the name its enduring association with love and favor - both divine and human.
Scotland developed Davina as a local feminine form for girls born into families honoring the biblical David - a common Scottish practice of creating feminine versions of important masculine names for daughters when no female equivalent existed. Similar Scottish feminizations include Donalda from Donald, Seona from John, and Murdina from Murdoch. Davina appears in Scottish records from at least the 17th century, with documented use in the Highlands and the Scottish Lowlands.
The name carries specific royal resonance through Princess Davina Windsor (born 1977), daughter of Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and through television presenter Davina McCall, whose profile on British television from the 1990s through the 2010s kept the name prominent in UK popular culture.
What Does Davina Mean? Origin & Etymology
According to SSA records, Davina ranked #647 for girls in the most recent annual count, with 452 births. The name has been in continuous US SSA use since the late 19th century, reflecting Scottish and Irish immigrant communities, and has held steady without major trend disruption.
Davina sits in a specific naming space: it's more unusual than David's other feminine derivatives like Davida or Davita, more distinctly Scottish than the Spanish Davinia, and more historically grounded than invented feminine forms. That specificity gives it appeal for parents with Scottish heritage who want a name that honors the biblical David through a specifically Celtic cultural lens.
How Popular Is Davina?
Numerology & Symbolism of Davina
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Davina – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Davina
What does the name Davina mean?
The name Davina derives from Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament. Hebrew names often carried direct meanings tied to religious concepts, tribal history, or divine attributes, giving them a lasting presence in Western naming traditions.
How popular is the name Davina in the United States?
According to SSA records, Davina ranked #647 for girl names in the United States, with 452 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2024. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Davina come from?
The name Davina comes from Hebrew. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of Hebrew-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a girl’s name across the English-speaking world.