Davina
/də.ˈviː.nə/
Davina is the Scottish feminine form of David, from the Hebrew Dawid, meaning “beloved” or “darling.” David was the second king of Israel and the psalmist of the Hebrew Bible.
The -ina suffix is a diminutive used in Scottish and Italian naming to create feminine forms.
The name has been used in Scotland since at least the 17th century as a feminine equivalent of David—a naming practice common in Scottish families where a daughter was named for a father or grandfather called David.
What the name Davina means
Davina peaked in the US at No. 562 in 2022 with 540 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 647 with 452 births, slightly below its recent high.
British TV presenter Davina McCall (born 1967) is the most widely recognised contemporary bearer, particularly known as the host of Big Brother UK. Her association gives the name a modern, energetic edge.
Three syllables—dah-VEE-nuh—are smooth and melodic. The central stress and the soft -ina ending give it a feminine elegance that distinguishes it from the more common David while retaining the same beloved meaning.
Parents choosing Davina often want to honour a David in the family without using a hyphenated compound or a standard feminine form. The Scottish -ina form achieves this elegantly.
Related names include Davida (alternate feminine form), Davita (Hebrew feminine form used in Jewish communities), Vida (Spanish feminine equivalent), and the full Hebrew Dawid from which all these derive.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Davina
Davina - similar names
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