David: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced DAY-vid · 2 syllables
David means “beloved”, from Hebrew.
From Middle English David, Davyd, Davyde, from Old English Dauid, David, from Late Latin David, from Koine Greek (Dauid), from Biblical Hebrew (dawid, literally “beloved”).
- Meaning
- beloved
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- DAY-vid
- US rank (2025)
- #35
- US babies a year
- about 7,478 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1950
- Style
- Vintage, Classic, Biblical, Literary
- Nicknames
- Dave
How popular is David?
David was the #35 name in the US in 2025, given to 6,801 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 40% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1950.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #35 |
| England & Wales | #60 |
| Scotland | #78 |
| Northern Ireland | #89 |
| Ireland | #46 |
| France | #143 |
| Norway | #88 |
| Canada | #46 |
| Australia | #247 |
How old are people named David?
Half of US adults named David are older than 59; most are between 25 and 80. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for David
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named David have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like David
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
- The most popular boy names in the US
- Classic boy names
- Vintage boy names
- Literary boy names
- Biblical boy names
- Hebrew boy names
Questions about David
What does the name David mean?
David means “beloved”. It comes from Hebrew.
How do you pronounce David?
David is pronounced DAY-vid.
How popular is the name David?
David was the #35 name in the US in 2025, given to 6,801 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 40% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1950.
How old are people named David?
Half of US adults named David are older than 59. Most are between 25 and 80.