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Name meaning & originDavid דָּוִד

/DAY-vid/

HebrewBoy
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David is a Hebrew boy's name pronounced /DAY-vid/. The name David translates to "beloved" or "uncle."

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Meaning of David

The name David translates to "beloved" or "uncle."

The name is derived from the Hebrew word 'dwd', which originally meant 'to boil' but came to figuratively represent 'to love'. It first appeared in the Bible as the name of the second king of Israel. The name's popularity was solidified in Western culture due to this biblical king's role as a warrior, poet, and ancestor of Jesus.

Origin
Hebrew
Pronunciation
/DAY-vid/

Cultural background

David remains one of the most consistently popular names in the Western world, including English-speaking countries, Europe, and Israel. It is widely used across Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities (as Dawud).

Variations & nicknames

  • Dave
  • Davie
  • Davy
  • Dawid
  • Davide
  • Dafydd

Famous people named David

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • David Bowie

    Influential English singer-songwriter and actor

    Music · 20th–21st Century

  • David Attenborough

    English broadcaster and natural historian

    Science/Media · 20th–21st Century

  • David Beckham

    English former professional footballer

    Sport · 20th–21st Century

  • David Livingstone

    Scottish physician and explorer of Africa

    Exploration · 19th Century

  • King David

    Second king of the United Kingdom of Israel

    Religion · c. 1000 BCE

Frequently asked about David

Is David a biblical name?
Yes, David is a major biblical figure in the Old Testament, known for defeating Goliath and becoming the King of Israel.
What is the female version of David?
The most common feminine forms of David are Davina and Davida.
What does the name David signify?
The name is generally understood to signify being deeply loved or a beloved friend.

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