Davis
What is the origin of the last name Davis?
Meaning and origin
The last name Davis has its origin in the patronymic surname system prevalent in Wales and England.
The longer story
Here, we will explore the meaning and etymology behind this surname, drawing from a range of reputable sources and historical records available online.
The name Davis, commonly considered a patronymic surname, originates from the given name David. David itself comes from the Hebrew name דָּוִד (Dawid), meaning "beloved" or "friend." This biblical name gained widespread popularity due to the fame and accomplishments of King David in the Old Testament.
The surname Davis emerged as a variation or anglicized form of the Welsh surname Dafydd or Dafis. Dafydd is the Welsh equivalent of David and derives from the Proto-Celtic word *dewid, meaning "to cherish" or "to adore." Over time, the Welsh name Dafydd underwent several phonetic changes, ultimately leading to the emergence of the surname Davis.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#8
Davis was the 8th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 1,116,357 people, about 378 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Where it is found
Countries linked to Davis.
Surnames like Davis
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Davis is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.