David
David is a boys' name of Hebrew origin meaning “beloved.” It ranked #35 in the United States in 2025. From the Hebrew Dawid, meaning beloved.
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how do you pronounce David?
DAY-vid
where does the name David come from?
From the Hebrew דָּוִד, meaning beloved. The word appears in the Song of Songs as an ordinary term of affection, and the name may originally have been a title or throne name rather than a birth name — no earlier Israelite bearer is recorded.
King David of Israel is one of the Bible's central figures, celebrated as warrior, poet, and monarch. The name has been continuously popular across millennia.
the history of David
David killed Goliath, united the Israelite tribes, took Jerusalem as his capital and is credited with the Psalms, making him the most fully drawn character in the Hebrew Bible. He is a prophet in Islam and an ancestor of Jesus in the gospels. St David is patron of Wales, and Michelangelo's David has stood in Florence since 1504.
how popular is this name?
David has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #1 in 1960, and ranked #35 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #35 |
| 2024 | #31 |
| 2023 | #27 |
| 2022 | #31 |
| 2021 | #30 |
| 2020 | #28 |
| 2019 | #27 |
| 2018 | #22 |
| 2017 | #22 |
| 2016 | #19 |
| 2010 | #15 |
| 2000 | #16 |
| 1990 | #6 |
| 1980 | #4 |
| 1970 | #3 |
| 1960 | #1 |
| 1950 | #5 |
| 1940 | #7 |
| 1930 | #15 |
| 1920 | #25 |
| 1910 | #30 |
| 1900 | #32 |
| 1890 | #26 |
| 1880 | #18 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years David fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named David?
- David Bowie
- David Beckham
- David Attenborough
what are the nicknames and variants of David?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to David?
what names go well with David?
Sibling names that share David's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about David
What does the name David mean?
David means “beloved”.
What is the origin of the name David?
David comes from the Hebrew naming tradition. Related forms include Dawid, Davide and Daveed.
How popular is the name David?
David ranked #35 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1960, at #1, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is David a boy or girl name?
David is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce David?
David is pronounced DAY-vid, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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