"beloved"
Dawud
The Arabic form of David, beloved prophet and king
Meaning & Origin
"darling, dear one"
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.
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
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
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
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dawud
What does the name Dawud mean?
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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.