David: Name Guide
Quick Summary: David is a male name of Hebrew origin, often interpreted as meaning "beloved". It holds profound religious significance as the name of the biblical king who united Israel and became a central figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Meaning | "Beloved" |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | DAY-vid |
Etymology of David
David derives from the Hebrew name דָּוִד (Dawid), often interpreted as meaning "beloved" or "uncle". The exact etymology remains debated among scholars, with some suggesting it may come from the Hebrew root דּוֹד (dod), meaning "beloved" or "friend".
The name entered Western languages through Greek Δαυίδ (Dauid) and Latin David, maintaining its original form more closely than many biblical names. Its preservation across languages reflects the central importance of King David in Abrahamic religious texts.
The simplicity and phonetic clarity of David contributed to its widespread adoption across cultures, with minimal variation in its core form despite transmission through multiple language families.
History of David
Origins and Early Use
David's earliest recorded use appears in the Hebrew Bible, where it identifies the second king of Israel (circa 1000 BCE). The biblical David unified the Israelite tribes, conquered Jerusalem, and established a dynasty that became foundational to Jewish messianic prophecy and Christian theology.
The name's religious significance ensured its preservation within Jewish communities throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages, though it remained relatively uncommon among Christians until the medieval period.
Rise to Popularity
David gained broader Christian use during the medieval period, particularly after the Crusades increased European engagement with biblical geography and narrative. Scottish and Welsh traditions embraced the name early, with Saint David (Dewi Sant) becoming the patron saint of Wales in the 6th century.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| Medieval | Crusades and biblical revival | Expanded Christian adoption beyond Jewish communities |
| 16th-17th c. | Protestant Reformation | Puritan emphasis on Old Testament names increased English usage |
| Mid-20th c. | Post-WWII naming trends | Rose to #1 in US (1960), reflecting broader biblical revival |
Modern Usage
David maintained top-10 status in the United States from the 1940s through the 1990s, peaking at #1 in 1960. While its ranking has declined since 2000, it remains consistently popular, ranking #31 in 2024.
The name's endurance across decades reflects its cross-cultural accessibility, professional neutrality, and deep cultural roots. Unlike trendy names that surge and fade, David demonstrates sustained multi-generational appeal.
Key insight: This name rose because of its biblical prestige and phonetic simplicity across languages, and has stabilized rather than declined, maintaining relevance through association with historical gravitas rather than contemporary trends.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose David when they want to convey warmth, approachability, and quiet strength, especially in contexts involving trust, faith, or cross-cultural communication.
Variants of David
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | David, Dave | Dave is the most common short form |
| French | David (dah-VEED) | Pronounced with stress on second syllable |
| Spanish | David (dah-BEED) | "V" pronounced as "B" |
| German | David (DAH-vit) | Final "d" softened to "t" |
| Italian | Davide (dah-VEE-deh) | Added final "e" |
| Russian | Давид (dah-VEET) | Transliterated form |
| Arabic | داوود (Dawood) | Quranic prophet name |
For digital IDs, shorter forms like Dave or Dav tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Common nicknames include:
- Dave
- Davey/Davie
- Dav
Similar Names
- Daniel - Another prominent biblical king name with Hebrew origin
- Darius - Persian royal name with similar regal associations
- Dawson - English surname meaning "son of David"
David Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
Popularity Timeline
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #32 | 883 |
| 1920s | #25 | 7,444 |
| 1940s | #7 | 27,691 |
| 1960s | #1 | 85,908 |
| 1980s | #4 | 41,890 |
| 2000s | #16 | 19,787 |
| 2020s | #28 | 8,259 |
| 2024 | #31 | 7,317 |
Peak: 1960, ranked #1 (85,908 births)
Current (2024): #31 (7,317 births)
Trend analysis: David's peak in 1960 coincided with post-war biblical name revival and increased visibility in popular culture. The gradual decline reflects broader shifts toward modern name choices, though David maintains stronger persistence than many peers due to its professional neutrality and international recognition.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
David as a Username
Availability
"david" as a username is almost universally taken on major platforms due to its historical popularity and simplicity. Variations are typically required for account creation.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | david | Professional (rarely available) |
| With numbers | david92, david2024 | Gaming, forums |
| Abbreviated | dav, dave | Social media, informal platforms |
| Stylized | xdavid, davidx, david | Creative, preserves core name |
| Surname combo | davidjones, davidm | Professional contexts requiring full identity |
Digital Impression
David as an ID tends to project:
- Professional maturity - because of its historical depth and absence of trendy associations
- Approachability - because of its familiarity across cultures and simple pronunciation
- Timelessness - because it lacks markers of specific generations or subcultures
Best for: Professional profiles, LinkedIn, email addresses, and contexts where trust and reliability matter more than uniqueness.
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames that stand out in creative or gaming communities.
Is David good for a username?
David works well as a username if you value clarity, professionalism, and cross-cultural recognition. However, due to its high popularity across multiple generations, you will almost certainly need variations like dave, david_m, or david2024 to secure availability on established platforms. The name's strength lies in its neutrality rather than distinctiveness.
FAQ
What does David mean?
David often interpreted as meaning "beloved" from Hebrew דָּוִד (Dawid), though the exact etymology remains debated among scholars.
Is David popular?
According to SSA data, David ranks #31 in the US (2024) with 7,317 births. It is gradually declining from its mid-20th-century peak but remains consistently used.
What are nicknames for David?
Common nicknames include Dave, Davey, Davie, and Dav.
Is David a boy's or girl's name?
David is traditionally a male name. While modern naming practices have expanded gender boundaries for many names, David remains overwhelmingly masculine in usage across cultures.
How do you pronounce David?
David is pronounced DAY-vid in English. Regional variations include dah-VEED (French), dah-BEED (Spanish), and DAH-vit (German).
Is David good for a username?
David works well as a username if you value professionalism and clarity, though availability will require variations on most platforms due to its historical popularity.
Related Names
- Daniel - Another prominent Hebrew biblical name meaning "God is my judge"
- Michael - Hebrew archangel name with similar biblical prestige
- Dave - Shorter form, often preferred for digital IDs due to availability
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026