Last Name Davidov

The surname Davidov is of Jewish origin and is a variant of the Hebrew given name "David," which means "beloved" or "favorite." It is derived from the biblical figure King David. In Judaism, patronymic surnames such as Davidov were often used to identify a person's family or tribe. The use of these names spread throughout Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages and the early modern period.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Davidov

The meaning and origin of the last name Davidov

The surname Davidov is of Slavic origin, primarily found among Eastern European Jewish communities. It is an occupational name derived from the Old Slavic word 'david', meaning 'beloved' or 'friend'. Over time, it has been Anglicized to Davidoff and Davidov. Historically, a person with this surname may have held a position of respect or was well-liked in their community, often serving as a mediator or peacemaker. The name is also associated with the biblical character David, the King of Israel, which adds a layer of religious significance for some bearers of this surname. The spread of the name can be traced back to the historical migrations of Eastern European Jewish communities, particularly during periods of persecution and forced resettlement. Today, the surname is common in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Israel, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Davidov

The surname Davidov is predominantly of Slavic origin and is most frequently found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other former Soviet republics. It also has significant presence in Jewish communities worldwide due to historical migrations from these regions. Smaller concentrations can be found in other parts of the world, including Israel, the United States, Canada, and Australia, where Jewish immigrants bearing the name Davidov settled. In Russia, the distribution of the surname is particularly high in Jewish autonomous oblast, Republic of Bashkortostan, Chelyabinsk Oblast, and other regions with a historical presence of Jewish population. The frequency of the surname can vary greatly within these locations due to factors such as local traditions regarding surnames and migration patterns over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Davidov

The surname Davidov can have various spellings and variations across different regions and languages. Some common forms include: Davidoff, Davidow, Davydov, and Davydoff. These versions stem from Slavic origins, with "Davyd" being the Russian form of David. In some instances, the name may also appear as Deyvidov or Dayvidov, which are transliterations from Cyrillic script used in Eastern Europe. In Hebrew, where the name is often written as דָּוִד, it can be transliterated as David or David. Additionally, there might be regional variations due to assimilation or phonetic changes over time. For example, in Jewish communities in Spain and Portugal, it might have been converted into a more Hispanic-sounding form such as Davides or Deydives during the Inquisition era.

Famous people with the last name Davidov

Notable individuals with the surname Davidov include:

1. Dmitry Davidov (1826-1910), a Russian geographer and ethnographer, known for his work on Siberia.

2. Mikhail Davidovich Davidoff (1853-1934), also known as Michel David-Weill, was a Swiss banker of Russian Jewish descent, one of the founders of Lazard Frères et Cie in Paris.

3. Vladimir Davidov (born 1965), a Russian professional ice hockey player who played for various teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the International Hockey League (IHL).

4. Max Davidov (1897-1973), a Soviet film director, screenwriter, and actor known for his work on The Overcoat (1952) and The First Echelon (1968).

5. Liora Davidovich (born 1970), an Israeli actress, best known for her roles in Srugim and When Heroes Fly.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as geography, banking, sports, film, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Davidov

The surname Davidov is of Jewish origin, derived from the Hebrew given name "Dov" which means "bear" or "enduring." The first recorded instance of this name can be traced back to Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages. The Davidov family likely originated in one of several Jewish communities in Poland, Russia, or the Czech Republic, regions where many Jewish families resided and were known for their artisanal skills in crafts such as textiles, metalworking, and leatherworking. Throughout history, notable individuals with the surname Davidov have made significant contributions to various fields, including science, literature, and politics. One example is Mikhail Davidov (1820-1885), a Russian statesman, scientist, and author of several influential books on political economy. The surname Davidov has since spread across the globe with Jewish migration, becoming common in countries such as Israel, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Davidov"
• 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 June 2025

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