What is the origin of the last name Davies?
The last name Davies traces its origins to Wales, specifically derived from the Welsh patronymic system. It is a variant of the surname Davis, which itself is derived from the personal name "David," meaning "beloved" in Hebrew. The addition of the Welsh patronymic ending "-es" signifies "son of," thus Davies signifies "son of David." This surname's prevalence in Wales can be attributed to the common usage of the name David in Welsh history and its subsequent adoption as a hereditary surname.
Countries of origin for the last name Davies
FAIL
Interesting facts about the last name Davies
- The surname Davies is derived from the patronymic form of the given name David, which means “beloved” in Hebrew.
- It is one of the most common surnames in Wales and is prevalent among Welsh communities across the world.
- The spelling of the surname Davies can vary, and it has numerous variations including Davis, Davys, and Dafis.
- Research suggests that the surname Davies originated in Wales during the 15th century and gradually spread to England.
- In the 19th century, many individuals with the surname Davies migrated from Wales to other parts of the British Empire, particularly Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada.
- Notable individuals with the surname Davies include politicians, actors, musicians, and athletes, who have achieved significant recognition in their respective fields.
- The Davies family name holds historical significance, as many individuals bearing this surname were actively involved in the coal mining industry in Wales during the industrial revolution.
- The surname Davies is also associated with prominent literary figures, such as Welsh poet W. H. Davies and Canadian author Robertson Davies.
- Davies is the 2nd most common surname in Wales, after Jones, and according to estimates, over 200,000 individuals in the United Kingdom bear this surname.
- The surname Davies has been researched and analyzed by genealogists, highlighting its rich history and various branches of the family across different regions.
Name Rank
#1030
There are around 33753 people with the last name Davies in the US