What does Davidson mean and where does it come from?
Davidson is a patronymic surname derived from the Old Welsh name 'David,' which comes from the Hebrew (דּוֹד) 'Dodi' meaning beloved. This surname is prevalent in Scotland, where it signifies 'son of David.' Known for its historical roots, the name has been carried by many notable individuals, inclu
Cultural significance
Davidson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scottish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #2463 in 1994 — currently #3972 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scottish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Davidson?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Davidson?
Davidson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Davidson Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Davidson John
One syllable · timeless choice
Davidson Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Davidson Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Davidson Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Davidson Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Davidson right now?
Rising fast — up 1746 spots — currently #3972 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3972 | 27 | ▲ up 1746 · +69% births |
| 2024 | #5718 | 16 | ▼ down 1808 · -43% births |
| 2023 | #3910 | 28 | ▼ down 433 · -15% births |
| 2022 | #3477 | 33 | ▲ up 793 · +38% births |
| 2021 | #4270 | 24 | ▲ up 956 · +41% births |
| 2020 | #5226 | 17 | ▼ down 1787 · -47% births |
| 2015 | #3439 | 32 | ▲ up 576 · +28% births |
| 2010 | #4015 | 25 | ▼ down 828 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #3187 | 32 | ▲ up 909 · +68% births |
| 2000 | #4096 | 19 | ▼ down 360 · +12% births |
| 1995 | #3736 | 17 | ▼ down 219 |
| 1990 | #3517 | 17 | ▼ down 873 · -11% births |
| 1985 | #2644 | 19 | ▲ up 1304 · +90% births |
| 1980 | #3948 | 10 | ▲ up 1098 · +67% births |
| 1975 | #5046 | 6 | — |
The story of Davidson
Davidson entered American naming records in 1924 and has been in use for over 100 years. With 1,020 total births recorded, Davidson remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3168 in 1965, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3910 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Davidson in 1994:
Davidson by decade
Davidson peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 10 | |
| 1940s | 8 | |
| 1950s | 12 | |
| 1960s | 13 | |
| 1970s | 60 | |
| 1980s | 137 | |
| 1990s | 200 | |
| 2000s | 272 | |
| 2010s ★ | 286 | |
| 2020s | 60 | |
💎With 1,020 total births, Davidson is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Davidson?
What names sound and feel like Davidson?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Davidson also consider these
Common questions about the name Davidson
What does the name Davidson mean?
Davidson means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Scottish 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 Davidson?
Davidson is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Davidson?
Davidson originates from Scottish tradition. Scottish 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 Davidson?
Davidson is a three-syllable name pronounced DAY-vids-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Davidson?
Davidson pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Scottish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.