"beloved, dearly loved"
Dawit
Pronunciation: [ d-AW-iht ]
Does Dawit flow with your last name?
Ethiopia's timeless form of the beloved Biblical king
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Dawit
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Meaning & Origin
"friend, companion"
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Dawit
Dawit is the Ethiopian and Eritrean form of David, derived from the Hebrew דָּוִד (Dawid), meaning 'beloved' or 'friend.' The name entered Ethiopian culture through the ancient Ge'ez script and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which has venerated King David for millennia. The Book of Psalms — traditionally attributed to King David — holds special importance in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, and the name Dawit carries this deep spiritual weight alongside its royal associations.
Dawit has been one of the most common male names in Ethiopia and Eritrea for centuries due to the revered status of King David in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. It remains consistently popular among diaspora communities in the US, Canada, Sweden, and the UK.
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, King David (Dawit) is one of the most venerated figures — the Psalms are recited in Ge'ez at every service, and naming a child Dawit is considered a blessing. Dawit I was also a famous Emperor of Ethiopia (r. 1382–1413) who expanded the empire and promoted learning.
Historical Record
Dawit first appeared in US Social Security records in 1984.
Over 553 babies have been named Dawit in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dawit is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,569 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Emperor Dawit I of Ethiopia (1382–1413) is celebrated for establishing diplomatic relations with European kingdoms
- The Ethiopian Psalter (Dawit) is one of the most important liturgical texts in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity
- Dawit is the 3rd most common male name in Ethiopia according to recent census data
Dawit in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dawit
Dawit Nega
Athlete
1988
Ethiopian long-distance runner and national champion
Dawit Weldegiorgis
Politician
1943
Ethiopian politician and military officer who later became a prominent human rights advocate and author
Dawit I of Ethiopia
Royalty
1382
Emperor of Ethiopia who expanded the Solomonic dynasty's territory and established the first diplomatic relations with P...
Emperor of Ethiopia who expanded the Solomonic dynasty's territory and established the first diplomatic relations with Portugal
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,569
- Total SSA Count
- 17
- Cultural Origins
- Ethiopian Eritrean East African Jewish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dawit
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Ethiopian)
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About the Name Dawit
Dawit is a boy name with Ethiopian, Eritrean, East African, and Jewish origins . The name means "beloved, dearly loved" in Hebrew .
Dawit is currently ranked #5,569 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dawit has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-AW-iht, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dawit include Dawi and Dave. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Baby Name Wizard
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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