What does Dawud mean and where does it come from?
Dawud (داوُد) is the Arabic form of the name David. It has a significant history, originating from Jewish texts where King David was a prominent figure known for his leadership and musical talent. The name is popular in various Muslim communities, as Dawud is also considered a prophet in Islam. The
Cultural significance
Dawud has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of arabic.
Peak popularity
Reached #1475 in 1977 — currently #3144 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dawud?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dawud?
Dawud works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dawud Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Dawud John
One syllable · timeless choice
Dawud Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Dawud Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Dawud Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Dawud Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Dawud right now?
Falling — down 261 spots — currently #3144 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3144 | 38 | ▼ down 261 · -14% births |
| 2024 | #2883 | 44 | ▼ down 73 · -2% births |
| 2023 | #2810 | 45 | ▲ up 668 · +36% births |
| 2022 | #3478 | 33 | ▲ up 1042 · +50% births |
| 2021 | #4520 | 22 | ▼ down 1182 · -33% births |
| 2020 | #3338 | 33 | ▲ up 281 · +10% births |
| 2015 | #3619 | 30 | ▲ up 1710 · +76% births |
| 2010 | #5329 | 17 | ▲ up 676 · +31% births |
| 2005 | #6005 | 13 | ▼ down 299 · +8% births |
| 2000 | #5706 | 12 | ▼ down 1314 · -14% births |
| 1995 | #4392 | 14 | ▲ up 1697 · +75% births |
| 1990 | #6089 | 8 | ▼ down 1871 · -20% births |
| 1985 | #4218 | 10 | ▼ down 2068 · -60% births |
| 1980 | #2150 | 25 | ▲ up 206 · +32% births |
| 1975 | #2356 | 19 | — |
The story of Dawud
Dawud is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 847 total births recorded, Dawud remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4667 in 1970 to #2810 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Dawud in 1977:
Dawud by decade
Dawud peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 200 | |
| 1980s | 146 | |
| 1990s | 112 | |
| 2000s | 125 | |
| 2010s ★ | 231 | |
| 2020s | 115 | |
💎Dawud has only 847 total recorded births since 1970 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Dawud?
ENGLISH
DaveDaveyDavieDavy
Famous people named Dawud
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Dawud (Quranic figure)
Dawud appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Dawud (historical Arab ruler)
Dawud held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Dawud (Sufi mystic)
Dawud used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Dawud (Islamic scholar)
Dawud bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Dawud?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dawud also consider these
How is Dawud written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Dawud?
Common questions about the name Dawud
What does the name Dawud mean?
Dawud means "Arabic" — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Dawud?
Dawud is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Dawud have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Dawud?
Dawud originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Dawud trending right now?
Dawud is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Dawud a common or rare name?
Dawud is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.