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Dawud

Boy Name #2,894 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

The Arabic form of David, beloved prophet and king

Arabic Muslim Swahili South Asian West African
Spiritual Classic Traditional Strong

Meaning & Origin

"beloved"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Arabic
"darling, dear one"
Origin: Semitic
Language: Hebrew

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

Urdu داود
Arabic داوود
Hebrew דָּוִד
Swahili Dawudi
Turkish Davut

Famous People Named Dawud

D

Dawud Wharnsby Ali

Musician

1972

Canadian Muslim singer-songwriter known for Islamic devotional music

D

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

Daud

Pairs Well With

Dawud Ibrahim Dawud Yusuf Dawud Hassan Dawud Ali Dawud Omar

Sibling Names

Similar Names

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dawud

What does the name Dawud mean?
"beloved" (from Hebrew). "darling, dear one" (from Semitic). 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.
What is the origin of the name Dawud?
Dawud has Hebrew, Semitic, Arabic, Muslim, Swahili, South Asian, and West African origins. In Hebrew, it means "beloved". In Semitic, it means "darling, dear one".
Is Dawud a boy or girl name?
Dawud is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Dawud?
Dawud is currently ranked #2894 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dawud?
Common nicknames for Dawud include Daud.
What are good middle names for Dawud?
Popular middle name pairings include Dawud Ibrahim, Dawud Yusuf, Dawud Hassan, Dawud Ali, and Dawud Omar.
What are good sibling names for Dawud?
Names that pair well with Dawud as siblings include Maryam, Fatima, Isa, Yusuf, and Aisha.
How many syllables does Dawud have?
Dawud has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dawud a common or rare name?
Dawud is an uncommon name, ranked #2894 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

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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