David: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
David means 'beloved' in Hebrew and is the name of the Bible's most famous king.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- DAY-vidˈdeɪ.vɪd
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Meaning
- David means 'beloved' in Hebrew and is the name of the Bible's most famous king.
- Gender
- Boy's name
- Syllables
- 2
- Nicknames
- Dave, Davey, Davy
- US Popularity (2025)
- #35 — 📉 Falling
What Does David Mean?
David comes from the Hebrew name Dawid, which is generally understood to mean 'beloved'. It is closely related to the Hebrew word dod, meaning 'beloved' or 'uncle', and the idea of being cherished is built into the name at its root.
In the Bible, David is the shepherd boy who defeats the giant Goliath, becomes the second king of Israel and is traditionally credited with many of the Psalms. His story made David one of the most widely used names in Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions, where he appears as Dawud. Saint David is also the patron saint of Wales, which gave rise to the Welsh forms Dewi and Dafydd.
David was among the very top boys' names in the US through the middle of the twentieth century and has drifted down gradually since, which now makes it feel familiar and established but not trendy. It suits parents who want a name that is dignified, easy to say anywhere in the world and unlikely to date.
How Popular Is David?
David was once one of the most popular names in America and has declined slowly over several decades, though it remains in the top 50.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with David
Classic pairings
- David Alexander
- David James
- David William
- David Michael
Modern pairings
- David Everett
- David Rowan
- David Atlas
- David Wells
One-syllable options
- David Paul
- David Lee
- David Grant
- David Cole
Family-name bridges
- David John
- David Robert
- David Thomas
- David Andrew
Names Similar to David
If you love David, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with David
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named David
- David BeckhamEnglish footballer who captained England and played for Manchester United and Real Madrid.
- David BowieEnglish musician and actor known for 'Space Oddity' and the persona Ziggy Stardust.
- David AttenboroughBritish broadcaster and naturalist famous for his nature documentaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About David
Is David a boy or girl name?
David is primarily a boy's name. It is very rarely used for girls.
How do you pronounce David?
David is pronounced DAY-vid (IPA: ˈdeɪ.vɪd). It has 2 syllables. Common nicknames include Dave, Davey, Davy.
What does David mean?
David means 'beloved' in Hebrew and is the name of the Bible's most famous king.
David comes from the Hebrew name Dawid, which is generally understood to mean 'beloved'. It is closely related to the Hebrew word dod, meaning 'beloved' or 'uncle', and the idea of being cherished is built into the name at its root.
Is David a popular name in 2026?
Yes, David is a highly popular name. It ranked #35 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is gradually declining in popularity but still firmly mainstream. David was once one of the most popular names in America and has declined slowly over several decades, though it remains in the top 50.
What are good middle names for David?
Good middle names for David include classic choices like David Alexander and David James, modern options like David Everett and David Rowan, and crisp one-syllable pairings like David Paul and David Lee. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
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