David

What does David mean?

David is a name that carries a clear, warm meaning from its Hebrew origin. It comes from a word meaning beloved, a concise idea that has remained easy to understand and emotionally resonant across languages and generations.

The name feels classic and approachable. It brings to mind steady, dependable characters and strong historical associations, while remaining versatile enough to suit a child who might grow up to be scholarly, artistic or practical. If you like names that are familiar but not overused in every playground, David strikes a comfortable balance.

Historical Context

The name originates in ancient Hebrew, where a root word conveys the idea of being beloved or dear. It is borne most famously in the Hebrew Bible by King David, a central figure whose life combined leadership, poetry and complex humanity. That biblical prominence ensured the name travelled widely with Judaism and Christianity.

Over centuries David became established across Europe. In medieval and later periods it was sustained by religious tradition, royal usage and literary references. Variants and forms developed as the name moved into different languages, producing versions such as Davide, Dawid and David. The name has never relied on fashion trends to remain visible; instead it endures through steady cultural and religious significance as well as everyday usability.

Popularity of David over time

In 2025, David was given to 712 boys in the UK and 6,794 boys in the US. David has declined in usage over the last 20 years, but remains a popular boys' name especially in the US.

What do parents think of David?