David
Boy Name English, Jewish, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Slovene, German, Biblical origin
Save This Name
Origin
English, Jewish, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Slovene, German, Biblical
Syllables
2
First Letter
D
Popularity
89/100

Meaning of David

Possibly derived from Hebrew (dvd) meaning "beloved".

Origin: English, Jewish, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Slovene, German, Biblical

About the Name David

Balanced and confident, David is a two-syllable masculine name of Hebrew origin, with roots in the ancient texts of the Old Testament and the rich tradition of biblical names that have crossed religious and cultural boundaries to become truly international. The name means "Possibly derived from Hebrew (dvd) meaning "beloved".". It is consistently among the most widely given names internationally, popular year after year. "Possibly derived from Hebrew (dvd) meaning "beloved"." in Hebrew carries a weight that the English translation can only approximate. These ancient names were carried by prophets, matriarchs, and kings - they have been in continuous use for over 3,000 years, a longevity that few naming traditions can match.

The practical question of how David flows with the family surname is worth considering. The name is universally familiar across communities worldwide, easy to spell and pronounce, and carries natural authority in both formal and informal settings. Names beginning with 'D' tend to have a decisive, memorable quality - easy to announce and easy to remember, internationally and beyond. Notable bearers of the name include David Beckham (footballer), David Bowie (musician), King David (biblical). David has maintained its appeal across generations of parents, and unlikely to feel dated as your child grows.

Sound & Flow

David is a 2-syllable name. Test it with your family surname to hear how it flows. For example: Tan David, Lim David, or Lee David.

Pronunciation varies by community.

Cultural Context

Crosses cultural boundaries easily and is used across Chinese, Eurasian, and mixed-heritage families. Works well with both English and Chinese surnames.

Similar Names

Same origin, same style as David:

Noah Ethan Daniel Liam Michael Lucas
Generate more like David

Name Style & Tags

english

Popularity Through History

See all-time rankings →

Rank in California top 25 (1 = most popular). Bars represent years the name charted - Hover for rank.

#2
1960
#2
1961
#2
1962
#2
1963
#2
1964
#2
1965
#2
1966
#2
1967
#2
1968
#2
1969
#2
1970
#2
1971
#2
1972
#3
1973
#3
1974
#3
1975
#2
1976
#2
1977
#2
1978
#2
1979
#2
1980
#3
1981
#3
1982
#3
1983
#3
1984
#4
1985
#4
1986
#4
1987
#4
1988
#4
1989
#4
1990
#5
1991
#5
1992
#5
1993
#5
1994
#5
1995
#4
1996
#6
1997
#6
1998
#6
1999
#9
2000
#6
2001
#8
2002
#6
2003
#7
2004
#4
2005
#5
2006
#4
2007
#5
2008
#7
2009
#8
2010
#8
2011
#10
2012
#10
2013
#10
2014
#10
2015
#15
2016
#17
2017
#18
2018
#21
2019
#18
2020
#24
2021
2022
2023
2024
Bar height = popularity rank (taller = higher rank) Hover for exact rank by year

Name Facts & Trivia

Name length
5 letters
Medium length - A comfortable balance for everyday use.
Syllable pattern
2 syllables
Two-syllable names are the most popular pattern across cultures.
First letter
D
Browse more names starting with D
Gender
Boy
A traditionally boy name across most cultures.

Famous People Named David

Prominent figures who share this name - Drawn from global culture, sports, and public life.

This name has been carried by notable individuals across many fields including arts, sports, science, and public service globally.

Want to discover names with similar fame? Try our name generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Possibly derived from Hebrew (dvd) meaning "beloved". Its English, Jewish, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Slovene, German, Biblical roots give it a timeless quality that resonates across generations.
David has a popularity score of 89/100. It is a well-known and widely chosen name — familiar but not overly common.
David is traditionally a boy name with English, Jewish, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Slovene, German, Biblical origins. It has been used consistently for boys across different cultures and generations.
Test the name across all languages your family speaks to ensure it sounds natural. If you come from a multilingual household, say it in each language you use at home before deciding.
The best middle names for David depend on your surname and cultural background. David is versatile — it works with both short and longer middle names. Use our name generator to explore combinations.
Natural nicknames for David often emerge from how family members start using it. At 2 syllables, there are natural places to shorten it. Try different variations until one feels right for your family.

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