Davis
Davis Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈdeɪ.vɪs/
Meaning of Davis: Davis is a Welsh and English patronymic surname from "ap Dafydd" (son of David), contracted over centuries to Davies and then Davis. David derives from the Hebrew "Dawid" or "Dod" (beloved, dear one, uncle), the name of Israel's greatest king. According to Online Etymology Dictionary, the Hebrew "dawid" shares its root with "dod" (beloved), giving the name its enduring meaning of being deeply loved or cherished.
David, the shepherd-king who defeated Goliath, composed the Psalms, and united Israel's tribes, gave the name its unparalleled religious weight across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The Star of David remains the central symbol of Judaism, and David is venerated as a prophet in Islam. No other biblical figure gave rise to so many surnames in so many languages: Davis, Davidson, Davies, MacDavid, Davison, and dozens of national variants.
As a given name in the US, Davis carries significant presidential associations - Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederacy, and Miles Davis, the jazz musician, is one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century. The musician connection, in particular, gives Davis cultural currency beyond its patronymic origin.
What Does Davis Mean? Origin & Etymology
According to SSA records, Davis ranked #645 for boys in the most recent annual count, with 437 births. The name entered SSA use as a first name in the late 20th century and has grown steadily since 2000, fitting the broader trend of patronymic surnames as given names: Mason, Jackson, Wilson, and Davis follow the same pattern.
Parents choosing Davis typically value its clean two-syllable structure, its immediately recognizable American identity, and its deep biblical roots that remain implicit rather than overtly religious - allowing it to function as a heritage name that works comfortably across religious and secular contexts.
How Popular Is Davis?
Numerology & Symbolism of Davis
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Davis – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Davis
What does the name Davis mean?
The name Davis derives from Old English roots, reflecting the Anglo-Saxon naming tradition that predates the Norman Conquest. Names of this origin typically referenced personal qualities, natural features, or family lineage meaningful to early English-speaking communities.
How popular is the name Davis in the United States?
According to SSA records, Davis ranked #645 for boy names in the United States, with 429 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 Davis come from?
The name Davis comes from English. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of English-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a boy’s name across the English-speaking world.