Last Name Davis

The last name "Davis" is of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh patronymic surname "Dafydd," which means "beloved" or "dear." Over time, "Dafydd" evolved into "Davyss," later shortened to "Davis." The name has since spread and become common in English-speaking countries, particularly in Wales, England, and the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Davis

The meaning and origin of the last name Davis

The surname Davis is of Welsh origin and is derived from the given name David, meaning "beloved" or "friend" in Hebrew. It became a popular surname in Wales during the medieval period and spread to other parts of the British Isles and eventually to other English-speaking countries. The name David was associated with the biblical figure King David, who was renowned for his military accomplishments and wise rule. As a result, the name gained popularity as a given name among the Welsh, which then led to the development of the surname Davis as a patronymic form, meaning "son of David." Over time, the spelling of the surname has undergone variations, including Davies and Davison. As Wales was heavily influenced by English colonization, many Welsh individuals with the surname Davis migrated to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, resulting in the prevalence of the name in these regions today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Davis

The last name Davis has a widespread geographical distribution, primarily found in English-speaking countries. In the United States, it ranks among the most common surnames and is widespread throughout the country. It is particularly prominent in the states of Texas, California, and Florida. In the United Kingdom, Davis is also a prevalent surname, concentrated mainly in England and Wales. Australia, Canada, and New Zealand also have significant populations of individuals with the surname Davis, reflecting their historical connections with the British Empire. Furthermore, due to migration and diaspora, Davis can be found in various parts of the world, including South Africa, Jamaica, and Barbados, indicating the global reach of this surname. The dispersion of the last name Davis points to its British origins and subsequent spread across multiple regions through colonization, immigration, and other historical factors.

Variants and spellings of the last name Davis

The last name "Davis" has several variations and spellings. One common variation is "Davies," which is more typically found in Wales. Another variation is "Daviss," with an additional 's' at the end, which can be seen as a way to pluralize the name. There are also alternate spellings like "Davissen," "Davison," and "Davysen" that have evolved over time or due to regional influences. Other variations include "Davess," "Devis," and "Deaviss." These variations and spellings can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, migration patterns, and the phonetic interpretation of the name. For instance, "Davies" may have originated from the Welsh pronunciation of "Davis," and "Daviss" could be an Americanized version of the name. Overall, these variations in spelling highlight the diverse origins and historical contexts in which individuals with the last name "Davis" have appeared throughout the years.

Famous people with the last name Davis

There have been numerous famous individuals with the last name Davis who have left a lasting impact in various fields. In the world of music, the legendary jazz artist Miles Davis stands out, known for his innovative trumpet playing and being a pivotal figure in the development of bebop and cool jazz. In the acting sphere, the remarkable Geena Davis shines, having achieved critical acclaim for her roles in films such as "Thelma & Louise" and "A League of Their Own." In the sports realm, there's the renowned basketball player Anthony Davis, who has excelled on both the college and professional levels, earning himself numerous accolades and becoming one of the premier players in the NBA. Additionally, in the realm of civil rights and activism, Angela Davis has made a significant impact with her work as a scholar, author, and prominent figure in the Black Power movement. These notable individuals with the last name Davis have left indelible marks on their respective fields, making them an integral part of history.

Genealogical research on the last name Davis

The surname Davis is a patronymic name derived from the given name David, which ultimately traces back to the biblical figure of King David. The name David originated from the Hebrew word "dwd" meaning "beloved" or "darling." The Davis name is commonly found in Wales, England, and Scotland, indicating its Celtic origin. In Wales, it is believed to be an anglicized form of the Welsh surname "Dafydd," while in Scotland and England, it denotes a son of David. The Davis family has a long history, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. Throughout the centuries, the Davis name scattered across the globe through migration and settlement. Many Davis families settled in the United States, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable individuals with the Davis surname include American jazz musician Miles Davis, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and poet and writer Angela Davis.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Davis"
• 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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