What does Dav mean and where does it come from?
Dav (דָּוִד) is a shortened form of the name David, which is of Hebrew origin. The name has deep historical and cultural significance, as King David is a central figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. In contemporary times, Dav is often used as a modernized variant, commonly seen in En
Cultural significance
Dav has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved..
Peak popularity
Reached #4533 in 1959 — currently #701 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Dav?
Dav works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dav Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dav Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dav Claire
French influence · crisp
Dav Jane
Literary · strong
Dav Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dav right now?
Holding steady — currently #701 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #701 | 1,499 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #706 | 1,479 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #711 | 1,449 | — |
The story of Dav
Dav entered American naming records in 1959 and has been in use for over 65 years. With 5 total births recorded, Dav remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #711 in 2021 to #701 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Dav in 1959:
💎Dav has only 5 total recorded births since 1959 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Dav?
Famous people named Dav
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Dav (historical figure)
Dav bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Dav?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dav also consider these
Common questions about the name Dav
What does the name Dav mean?
Dav means "Beloved." — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dav?
Dav is currently ranked #701 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dav?
Dav originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Dav sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Dav flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Dav ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Dav a classic or a modern name?
Dav has Hebrew roots that go back thousands of years, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.