What does David mean and where does it come from?
While traditionally a male name, David has been adopted in some cases as a female name, particularly in contemporary settings. The name is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'beloved', and is one of the most popular biblical names. David has a rich historical significance, notably associated with King David
Cultural significance
David has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of דָּוִד - 'beloved'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1 in 1960 — currently #27 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with David?
David works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
David Grace
Most popular combo · classic
David Rose
Floral · soft ending
David Mae
Sweet · timeless
David Claire
French influence · crisp
David Jane
Literary · strong
David Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is David right now?
Holding steady — currently #27 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #27 | 7,413 | ▲ up 4 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #31 | 7,820 | ▼ down 1 · -1% births |
| 2021 | #30 | 7,925 | ▼ down 2 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #28 | 8,153 | ▼ down 10 · -31% births |
| 2015 | #18 | 11,792 | ▼ down 3 · -17% births |
| 2010 | #15 | 14,199 | ▼ down 2 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #13 | 18,118 | ▲ up 3 · -8% births |
| 2000 | #16 | 19,769 | stable · -14% births |
| 1995 | #16 | 23,034 | ▼ down 10 · -32% births |
| 1990 | #6 | 33,743 | stable · -12% births |
| 1985 | #6 | 38,521 | ▼ down 2 · -8% births |
| 1980 | #4 | 41,925 | ▲ up 1 · +7% births |
| 1975 | #5 | 39,177 | ▼ down 2 · -37% births |
| 1970 | #3 | 61,752 | stable · -9% births |
| 1965 | #3 | 67,852 | — |
The story of David
David has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It reached the #1 spot in 1960, making it the most popular boy name in America that year. Over 3651K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. David is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside David in 1960:
David by decade
David peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 7,589 | |
| 1890s | 7,361 | |
| 1900s | 8,663 | |
| 1910s | 44,083 | |
| 1920s | 89,242 | |
| 1930s | 165,361 | |
| 1940s | 427,358 | |
| 1950s ★ | 771,273 | |
| 1960s | 736,559 | |
| 1970s | 448,443 | |
| 1980s | 386,258 | |
| 1990s | 254,375 | |
| 2000s | 180,193 | |
| 2010s | 116,417 | |
| 2020s | 8,163 | |
What are good nicknames for David?
ENGLISH
DaveDaveyDavieDavy
Famous people named David
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David (historical figure)
David bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
D(
David (historical community leader)
David led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
D(
David (historical figure)
David 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 David?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love David also consider these
How is David written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of David?
Common questions about the name David
What does the name David mean?
David means "דָּוִד - '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 David?
David is currently ranked #27 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of David?
David 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 do you pronounce the name David?
David is a two-syllable name pronounced D EY1 V IH0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is David more of a girl or boy name?
David is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.