Last Name David

The last name "David" has multiple origins. 1. Hebrew: In the Hebrew language, "David" means "beloved" or "uncle." It originated from the biblical figure King David, who was a significant and beloved figure in Judaism. King David was the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah, and he is considered a hero and a symbol of Jewish identity. 2. Welsh: "David" is also a common Welsh last name. It is derived from the given name "Dafydd," which is the Welsh form of "David." This Welsh variant became a popular surname in Wales, often denoting a descendant of someone named David. 3. French: In some cases, the surname "David" is of French origin. Derived from the given name "David," it became a hereditary surname in France. It might have been adopted by people who were named after the biblical figure or by those who had some association with St. David, the patron saint of Wales, who was widely venerated in medieval France. Overall, the last name "David" can originate from Hebrew, Welsh, or French backgrounds, each representing different historical and cultural origins.

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The meaning and origin of the last name David

The surname David has its historical roots in the Hebrew personal name "Dawid," which translates to "well-beloved" or "dear." It traces back to the biblical figure King David of Israel, who reigned during the 10th century BCE and is renowned for defeating the giant Goliath and establishing Jerusalem as the capital. As a highly prominent biblical name, it found widespread use among Jewish communities. The surname David was later adopted by Jews living in Eastern Europe and Sephardic Jews after their expulsion from Spain in the late 15th century. Over time, it spread to other regions as Jewish communities migrated and settled in different parts of the world. The surname David is now prevalent among Jewish populations worldwide and is also found among non-Jewish individuals, owing to intermarriage or variations in spelling and pronunciation.

Geographical distribution of the last name David

The last name David is widely distributed across the world, reflecting its origin from various cultures and regions. In Europe, countries like France, Belgium, and Spain have a significant presence of individuals with the last name David. It is also quite common in the United Kingdom. Moving across to Asia, the name David is found in countries such as India, Philippines, and Malaysia, which can be attributed to historical influences and colonial ties. In the Middle East, countries like Israel and Lebanon have a notable concentration of individuals with the last name David, largely due to biblical references and Jewish heritage. Additionally, the name David has spread to North and South America, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Brazil. Furthermore, due to global migration and mobility, it is likely to find individuals with the last name David in many other countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name David

The last name "David" can have multiple variations and spellings depending on different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Some variations of this surname include "Davide" (Italian), "Davids" (Dutch), "Davis" (English), "Daudi" (Swahili), "Davíðsson" (Icelandic), and "Davíðsdóttir" (Icelandic, female). In addition, various spellings can be found, such as "Davidsen," "Davies," "Davoodi," "Davieson," and "Daoud." These different spellings and variations reflect the diverse origins and migrations of people with the last name "David" across different regions and time periods. Whether through anglicization, cultural assimilation, or adaptations to local languages, each variation contributes to the rich tapestry of surnames and their historical connections. From the Biblical figure to the modern-day bearers of this name, "David" has proven to be versatile and adaptable throughout the world.

Famous people with the last name David

The last name "David" has been adopted by several famous individuals throughout history. One of the most prominent figures is Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, commonly known as Michelangelo. He was an Italian Renaissance artist, renowned for his magnificent sculptures, such as the iconic David, and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Another notable personality is Larry David, an American comedian, writer, and producer. He co-created the critically acclaimed television series Seinfeld and later created, wrote, and starred in his own show, Curb Your Enthusiasm. Moving to the music industry, Craig David, a British singer-songwriter, has achieved worldwide success with his soulful voice and catchy R&B tunes, including his hit singles "Fill Me In" and "7 Days." Additionally, Star Wars fans will recognize Warwick Davis, an English actor known for his roles as Wicket W. Warrick in Return of the Jedi and as multiple characters in the Harry Potter series. These individuals, among others, have significantly contributed to their respective fields and brought the name David great recognition.

Genealogical research on the last name David

The research on the last name David reveals a rich and diverse genealogical history. The name David originated from the Hebrew biblical figure, King David, who was renowned for his bravery and wisdom. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name David, meaning "beloved" or "chosen" in Hebrew. The surname David has Jewish roots and is commonly associated with the Jewish diaspora. However, it has also spread across numerous countries, including Scotland, France, Wales, and Ireland. Many individuals with the last name David can be found in these regions, with variations like Davids, Davidson, or Davies. Additionally, David has been anglicized and adapted into various forms in different cultures, such as Davis, Davison, and Davidsen. Genealogical research on the name David connects people from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the vast historical and geographical migrations of individuals with this surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "David"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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