David Name Meaning (Origin, Popularity & Nicknames)

Few names possess the enduring power, quiet dignity, and global recognition of David. It is the linguistic equivalent of a perfectly tailored suit: it never goes out of style, fits every occasion, and commands respect without being flashy. While trends like “Brayden” or “Maverick” ebb and flow, David remains a cornerstone of naming tradition. It manages to feel simultaneously vintage and fresh, rugged enough for a cowboy yet sophisticated enough for a king.

At its core, David is a name rooted in deep affection, translating to “beloved.” It carries a legacy of poetry, leadership, and resilience, largely thanks to its most famous bearer, the biblical King David.

Verdict: David is the ultimate “Blue Chip” name for a baby born in 2025. It offers a sense of stability and history in a fast-changing world. It is the perfect choice for parents seeking a name that everyone can spell, pronounce, and recognize, yet still carries a profound, heartwarming meaning.

David Overview

• Meaning: David means “beloved” in Hebrew or “to love” in a more verbal sense.
• Gender: David is traditionally a male name and is more commonly used today for males.
• Origin: David has a Hebrew origin, named after the second and greatest king of Israel, King David. The name has a biblical meaning, deriving from the early Hebrew word “dod” meaning “beloved”.
• Pronunciation: You would pronounce David as DAY-vid.
• Popularity: David is a highly popular name in the United States and parts of Europe. It currently ranks at 28 in popularity after many decades in the top ten.
• Nicknames: Dav, Dave, Davy, Dewey, and Davie.
• Variations: Davina, Davida, Davi, Davide, Davito, Davey, Davy, Daveed, Dauf, and Davidek.
• Namesakes: David Rose, David Rossi, David Brent, David Xanatos.

In This Article

• Meaning
• Where Does the Name David Come From?
• Popularity
• Gender
• Pronunciation
• Best Middle Names for David
• Sibling Names
• Variations
• Nicknames
• Names Similar to David
• Famous People
• David in Pop Culture
• FAQs About the Name David

What Does David Mean?

The name David is most widely recognized to mean “beloved.” It is derived from the Hebrew word dod (דּוֹד), which translates literally to “beloved” or “uncle.”

This etymology is significant because it is one of the few ancient names that carries a meaning of pure affection rather than a description of a physical trait (like “dark-haired”) or a profession (like “carpenter”). To name a child David is, quite literally, to call them “the loved one.”

In some theological circles, the name is also interpreted as “Beloved of God,” linking the child’s identity directly to divine favor.

Where Does the Name David Come From?

The name David is of Hebrew origin and is deeply entrenched in the Abrahamic religions. Its usage dates back over three thousand years.

The name’s staying power is almost entirely due to the biblical roots of King David. In the Old Testament (and the Tanakh), David begins his life as a humble shepherd and musician. He gains fame by defeating the giant Goliath with a single stone and eventually becomes the second, and most celebrated, King of Israel.

Because King David was a warrior, a poet (credited with writing many of the Psalms), and a ruler, the name became associated with a wide variety of virtues: bravery, artistic sensitivity, and leadership. This multifaceted legacy helped the name spread from ancient Israel to Europe, and eventually, to the Americas.

How Popular is the Name David?

David is what onomatologists call a “timeless classic.” While many names experience a “boom and bust” cycle, David has maintained a remarkable level of consistency.

According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), David was the second most popular name for boys in the United States for nearly 15 years straight (1960, 1975) and stayed firmly in the Top 10 from 1936 all the way until 1992. That is an astounding 56-year run at the very top of the charts.

In the 21st century, David has slowly cooled off, transitioning from a blockbuster hit to a stable staple. It is no longer in the Top 10, having moved into the Top 30. This is actually good news for modern parents: the name is universally recognized, but your son is less likely to be one of five Davids in his kindergarten class compared to previous generations.

Is David a Boy or Girl Name?

David is a strictly masculine name. Historically, it has almost exclusively been used for boys.

For parents seeking a feminine equivalent with the same root meaning (“beloved”), the name Davina is the most common stylistic match. Other feminine variations include Davida or Vida, though these are much rarer.

How Do I Pronounce David?

In English, the standard pronunciation is two syllables with the emphasis on the first: DAY-vid

Because the name is global, you may hear slight variations depending on the language:

• French: Dah-VEED
• Spanish/Italian: Dah-VEED
• Hebrew: Dah-VEED

Best Middle Names for David

Because David is a strong, two-syllable anchor, it pairs beautifully with almost anything. However, the “vibe” changes depending on the middle name you choose.

The “Classic Gentleman” Pairings

These combinations feel regal, sophisticated, and professional.

• David Alexander
• David James
• David Thomas
• David William
• David Michael

The “Modern Cool” Pairings

These middle names give the traditional “David” a fresh, contemporary edge.

• David Jude
• David Rhys
• David Fox
• David Hayes
• David Wesley

The “Soft & Vowel-Heavy” Pairings

These names soften the hard “D” and “V” sounds of David.

• David Elijah
• David Oliver
• David Elliot
• David Noah
• David Leon

Sibling Names for David

If you already have a David, you likely appreciate names that are established, historical, and clearly spelled.

For a Brother

You want a name that stands on equal footing, something strong and time-tested.

• Daniel (The most common pairing; they share biblical and stylistic roots)
• Samuel
• Joseph
• John
• Jacob
• Luke

For a Sister

These names share the classic, feminine elegance that matches David’s masculinity.

• Sarah
• Rachel
• Sophia
• Anna
• Elizabeth
• Charlotte

Variations of David

David is a linguistic chameleon. If you love the meaning but want something that reflects a specific heritage, consider these international variations:

• Dafydd (Welsh), A poetic choice often associated with song.
• Davide (Italian), Adds a romantic, lyrical ending.
• Daoud (Arabic), Strong and resonant.
• Davi (Portuguese), Short, punchy, and currently very trendy in Brazil.
• Dawid (Polish), A sharper spelling of the classic.
• Daveed (Russian/Phonetic), Emphasizes the second syllable.
• Taffy (Welsh), A diminutive form, though rarely used as a full name today.

Nicknames for David

While “David” is short enough to use in full, nicknames are inevitable.

Common Nicknames:

• Dave: The retro, reliable standby. (Think “Uncle Dave”).
• Davy / Davie: Playful, youthful, and sweet.

Creative & Rare Nicknames:

• Davo: Popular in Australia and the UK, it has a rugged, friendly vibe.
• Day: A sleek, one-syllable nature-inspired nickname derived from the first syllable.
• Vid: Taken from the end of the name; edgy and modern.

Names Similar to David

If you like the “vibe” of David, strong, traditional, but gentle, but want to explore other options, consider these:

• Caleb: Like David, this is a Hebrew name with a loyal, warrior-like history, but it feels slightly more modern.
• Ethan: A name that shares the “firm and established” feel of David but peaked in popularity a few decades later.
• Arthur: If you like the kingly association of David, Arthur provides that same royal legend status but from a British origin.
• Nathan: Historically, Nathan was a prophet who advised King David. The names share a similar soft-but-strong sound.
• Jesse: In the Bible, Jesse was King David’s father. It is a softer, southern-gentleman style alternative.
• Adam: Another primordial, essential name that never really goes out of style.
• Isaac: Shares the biblical pedigree and the friendly vowels.
• Benjamin: Like David, this is a longer, distinguished name with approachable nicknames (Ben/Benji).

Famous People Named David

The list of notable Davids is endless, covering every field from rock and roll to theoretical physics. This versatility proves the name doesn’t limit a child’s potential.

• David Bowie: The legendary British singer-songwriter and actor known for his constant reinvention.
• David Beckham: English football icon and global fashion trendsetter.
• David Attenborough: The beloved broadcaster and natural historian, known as the “voice of nature.”
• David Schwimmer: Actor famous for playing Ross Geller on Friends.
• David Letterman: A titan of American late-night television.
• David Grohl: Rock legend, former drummer of Nirvana and frontman of the Foo Fighters.
• Michelangelo’s David: While not a person, this Renaissance sculpture is perhaps the most famous statue in the world, depicting the biblical hero.

David in Pop Culture

• David Rose: The fashion-forward, sardonic, and beloved character from Schitt’s Creek.
• David Rossi: The veteran profiler from the hit show Criminal Minds.
• David Brent: The cringe-inducing boss from the original British version of The Office.
• David Xanatos: The complex antagonist from the animated series Gargoyles.
• David Dunn: The protagonist in M. Night Shyamalan’s superhero film Unbreakable.

FAQs About the Name David

Is David a Strong Name For a Child?

Yes, David is considered a very strong name. It is associated with King David, a warrior-poet who defeated a giant and united a kingdom. The name implies leadership, courage, and artistic sensitivity.

How Many Davids Are There in the United States?

There are an estimated 3.7 million people named David in the United States. It remains one of the most commonly used male names in American history, with over 90,000 Davids born annually during its peak years.

Is the Name David Considered Old Fashioned?

David is considered “timeless” rather than “old-fashioned.” Unlike names such as Elmer or Walter, which are specifically tied to a past era, David has been in consistent use for 100 years. It fits a baby, a teenager, and a grandfather equally well.

What Are the Lucky Colors for the Name David?

In numerology, the name David is often associated with the number 4 (stability) or 22 (master builder). Colors often linked to this vibration are Blue and Green, representing earth, balance, and calmness.

Can David Be a Middle Name?

Absolutely. David is an excellent “anchor” middle name. Because it starts with a consonant and ends with a consonant, it frames vowels well. It works particularly well with longer, more flowery first names, such as “Jeremiah David” or “Sebastian David.”

Is There a Saint David?

Yes, Saint David (Dewi Sant) is the patron saint of Wales. His feast day is March 1st. He was a Welsh bishop during the 6th century known for his ascetic life and teaching his followers to “do the little things.”

Does David Have Any Negative Connotations?

Generally, no. David is widely respected across cultures. The only potential downside is its extreme popularity in previous generations, meaning a child named David might be named after several uncles or grandfathers. Feedback: Was This Article Helpful? 👍 👎 Thank You For Your Feedback! Share Pin Thank You For Your Feedback! What Did You Like? Informative Easy to Understand Engaging Submit What Went Wrong? Inaccurate Missing Information Outdated Submit