What does Davis mean and where does it come from?
Davis is a surname that has been adopted as a first name for females, particularly in the United States. The name derives from the Hebrew name David, meaning 'beloved' or 'friend.' It reflects a tradition of using family surnames as given names. Since the late 20th century, Davis has become more com
Cultural significance
Davis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of david.
Peak popularity
Reached #1892 in 1926 — currently #613 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Davis?
Davis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Davis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Davis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Davis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Davis Claire
French influence · crisp
Davis Jane
Literary · strong
Davis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Davis right now?
Rising — up 19 spots — currently #613 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #613 | 456 | ▲ up 19 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #632 | 441 | ▼ down 74 · -13% births |
| 2021 | #558 | 507 | ▲ up 3488 · +1391% births |
| 2020 | #4046 | 34 | ▲ up 1405 · +42% births |
| 2015 | #5451 | 24 | ▲ up 1776 · +41% births |
| 2010 | #7227 | 17 | ▼ down 694 · -6% births |
| 2005 | #6533 | 18 | ▼ down 2001 · -31% births |
| 2000 | #4532 | 26 | ▲ up 6008 · +271% births |
| 1995 | #10540 | 7 | ▼ down 3218 · -36% births |
| 1990 | #7322 | 11 | ▲ up 1802 · +83% births |
| 1980 | #9124 | 6 | ▼ down 1111 |
| 1975 | #8013 | 6 | ▼ down 1586 · +20% births |
| 1960 | #6427 | 5 | ▼ down 1100 |
| 1950 | #5327 | 5 | ▼ down 2151 · -37% births |
| 1935 | #3176 | 8 | — |
The story of Davis
Davis entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. A total of 30,728 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2914 in 1915 to #613 in 2023. Davis is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Davis in 1926:
Davis by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 152 | |
| 1890s | 156 | |
| 1900s | 215 | |
| 1910s | 901 | |
| 1920s | 1,473 | |
| 1930s | 1,170 | |
| 1940s | 1,337 | |
| 1950s | 1,394 | |
| 1960s | 1,171 | |
| 1970s | 1,127 | |
| 1980s | 2,078 | |
| 1990s | 5,246 | |
| 2000s ★ | 7,323 | |
| 2010s | 6,444 | |
| 2020s | 541 | |
What are good nicknames for Davis?
What names sound and feel like Davis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Davis also consider these
Common questions about the name Davis
What does the name Davis mean?
Davis means "son of David" — a name rooted in American 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 Davis?
Davis is currently ranked #613 as a baby 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 Davis?
Davis originates from American tradition. American 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 Davis?
Davis is a two-syllable name pronounced D EY1 V AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Davis more of a girl or boy name?
Davis is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.