"son of David"
Origin: English/Welsh patronymic
Language: English
Davis
Pronunciation: [ d-AYV-uhs ]
Does Davis flow with your last name?
A Welsh surname with jazz royalty written in its DNA
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Meaning & Origin
"beloved"
Origin: Hebrew (Dawid) via David
Language: English
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The Story of Davis
Davis is an English and Welsh patronymic surname meaning 'son of David', where David comes from the Hebrew 'Dawid', possibly meaning 'beloved' or 'uncle'. The name David belonged to the greatest king in Israelite history, whose story—from shepherd boy to giant-slayer to monarch—is one of the most compelling in the Bible. Davis as a surname became enormously common in Wales (where Davies/Davis rank among the most common surnames) and was widely transplanted to America.
Davis has been rising steadily as a given name since the 2010s, fitting the trend of dignified English surnames becoming distinguished first names. The jazz connection—Miles Davis is perhaps the most influential musician in jazz history—gives Davis an artistic, sophisticated aura that appeals to culturally-minded parents.
In Welsh culture, Davies/Davis is one of the most common surnames, reflecting the deep prevalence of the name David throughout Welsh history and Christianity. As a first name, Davis carries American presidential associations (Jefferson Davis, Confederate President) though today the jazz legacy of Miles Davis is the more positive cultural touchstone.
Historical Record
Davis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 26,487 babies have been named Davis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Davis is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #646 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Davis is one of the most common surnames in Wales, reflecting the deep popularity of the biblical David
- Miles Davis is widely considered one of the most influential musicians in history, central to multiple jazz movements
- Jefferson Davis served as President of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War
Davis in Other Languages
Irish
Daibheid
Welsh
Dafydd (David)
French
David
Hebrew
Dawid
Spanish
David
Popularity Over Time
#646
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Davis
D
Davis Love III
Athlete
1964
American professional golfer, PGA Tour champion and US Ryder Cup captain
M
Miles Davis
Musician
1926
American jazz trumpeter and composer, one of the most influential musicians in history across multiple jazz genres
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #646
- Total SSA Count
- 429
- Cultural Origins
- English Welsh American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dave
Dav
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Davis
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Davis is also used as a girl name, ranked #6298.
View Davis as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Davis
What does the name Davis mean?
"son of David" (from English/Welsh patronymic). "beloved" (from Hebrew (Dawid) via David). Davis is an English and Welsh patronymic surname meaning 'son of David', where David comes from the Hebrew 'Dawid', possibly meaning 'beloved' or 'uncle'. The name David belonged to the greatest king in Israelite history, whose story—from shepherd boy to giant-slayer to monarch—is one of the most compelling in the Bible. Davis as a surname became enormously common in Wales (where Davies/Davis rank among the most common surnames) and was widely transplanted to America.
What is the origin of the name Davis?
Davis has English/Welsh patronymic, Hebrew (Dawid) via David, English, Welsh, and American origins. In English/Welsh patronymic, it means "son of David". In Hebrew (Dawid) via David, it means "beloved".
Is Davis a boy or girl name?
Davis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #646. As a girl name, it is ranked #6298. Davis is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Davis?
Davis is pronounced d-AYV-uhs.
How popular is the name Davis?
Davis is currently ranked #646 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Davis?
Common nicknames for Davis include Dave and Dav.
What are good middle names for Davis?
Popular middle name pairings include Davis James, Davis Lee, Davis Gray, Davis Cole, Davis Scott, and Davis Flynn.
What are good sibling names for Davis?
Names that pair well with Davis as siblings include Harrison, Fletcher, Adelaide, Emerson, Waverly, and Miles.
How many syllables does Davis have?
Davis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Davis a common or rare name?
Davis is moderately common, ranked #646 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Davis?
About the Name Davis
Davis is a boy name with English, Welsh, and American origins . The name means "son of David" in English/Welsh patronymic .
Is Davis a boy or girl name? Davis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #646 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #6,298. Davis is more commonly used as a boy name.
Davis is currently ranked #646 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Davis has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-AYV-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Davis include Dave and Dav. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Davis include David, Davion, Davian, Davi, Davin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis