"beloved"
Dawud
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The Arabic form of David, beloved prophet and king
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"darling, dear one"
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Dawud
Dawud is the Arabic form of the name David, derived from the Hebrew Dawid, which comes from a root meaning beloved. The name is shared across the Abrahamic faiths: David in Hebrew and Christian traditions, Dawud in Islamic tradition. The Prophet Dawud in Islam is identified with the biblical King David, a shepherd who became a great king and psalmist.
Dawud is consistently used across Muslim-majority countries and Muslim diaspora communities worldwide. It remains especially popular in Arab countries, East Africa, and among African American Muslims who adopted Arabic names following conversion to Islam in the 20th century.
In Islam, Dawud (David) is considered both a prophet and a king, and is praised in the Quran for his justice, strength, and beautiful voice in praising God. Naming a son Dawud carries the weight of this prophetic legacy.
Historical Record
Dawud first appeared in US Social Security records in 1970.
Over 991 babies have been named Dawud in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dawud is past its peak , currently ranked #2,894 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Dawud is mentioned 16 times in the Quran
- King David/Dawud is one of very few figures revered as a prophet in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism
- In East Africa, Dawud has been a common given name for over 600 years due to Islamic influence on the Swahili coast
Dawud in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dawud
Dawud Wharnsby Ali
Musician
1972
Canadian Muslim singer-songwriter known for Islamic devotional music
Dawud (King David)
Religious
Prophet and king in Islamic, Jewish, and Christian traditions
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,894
- Total SSA Count
- 44
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Muslim Swahili South Asian West African
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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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 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dawud
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dawud
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About the Name Dawud
Dawud is a boy name with Arabic, Muslim, Swahili, South Asian, and West African origins . The name means "beloved" in Hebrew .
Dawud is currently ranked #2,894 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dawud has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dawud include Daud. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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