David Name Meaning
The name David means 'beloved' in Hebrew. Discover its biblical origin as the shepherd-king, history, personality traits, famous bearers, and global popularity.
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Quick answer
The name David comes from the Hebrew name Dawid (דָּוִד), meaning 'beloved' or 'darling.' It is the name of the biblical shepherd who defeated Goliath and became the second and greatest king of Israel, making David a name long tied to courage, faith, and leadership.
What Does the Name David Mean?
David comes from the Hebrew name Dawid (דָּוִד), which means “beloved” or “darling.” Some scholars connect it to an ancient root meaning “to love,” while others link it to a word for a leader or chieftain. The dominant and traditional meaning is “beloved” — a fitting name for a figure described in scripture as a man after God’s own heart.
Origin and History of the Name David
The Shepherd-King
The name’s enduring power comes from King David of the Old Testament. As a youth, David was a shepherd who famously defeated the Philistine giant Goliath with nothing but a sling and a stone. He went on to become the second king of Israel, uniting the tribes, capturing Jerusalem, and establishing it as the spiritual capital. He was also a gifted musician and poet, traditionally credited with composing many of the Psalms. This combination of warrior, ruler, and artist gives the name remarkable depth.
A Name Across Three Faiths
David is revered in Judaism (as the model king and ancestor of the Messiah), in Christianity (where Jesus is described as descended from the line of David), and in Islam (where he appears as the prophet and king Dawud). The Star of David remains a central symbol of Jewish identity. Few names carry this breadth of religious significance.
Modern Popularity
David surged in the English-speaking world after the Reformation and became one of the most popular boys’ names of the 20th century, ranking in the US top 10 for much of the 1950s through 1970s. It remains a perennial classic worldwide.
David Name Popularity
| Year | US Rank (Boys) |
|---|---|
| 1950 | ~5 |
| 1970 | ~3 |
| 1990 | ~12 |
| 2010 | ~17 |
| 2024 | Top 40 |
David is also a top name in Spain, Wales, Israel, and across Eastern Europe.
Famous People Named David
| Name | Known For |
|---|---|
| David Bowie | Legendary musician and innovator |
| David Beckham | English football icon |
| David Attenborough | Naturalist and broadcaster |
| David (Bible) | Shepherd-king of Israel; defeated Goliath |
| Michelangelo’s David | Renaissance sculpture masterpiece |
| David Letterman | American talk-show host |
David Name Personality
People named David are commonly described as:
- Confident — comfortable taking the lead and facing challenges
- Charismatic — naturally draw others toward them
- Brave — the spirit of the boy who faced a giant
- Creative — echoing David the musician and poet
- Loyal — devoted to family and close friends
The name balances toughness and tenderness — a warrior who also wrote songs — which is part of its lasting appeal.
David in Different Languages
| Language | Form |
|---|---|
| Hebrew (origin) | Dawid (דָּוִד) |
| Spanish / Portuguese | David |
| Italian | Davide |
| Welsh | Dafydd / Dai |
| Arabic / Islamic | Dawud |
| Russian | David / Davyd |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name David mean in the Bible?
In the Bible, David means 'beloved.' David is the shepherd boy who slew the giant Goliath and became Israel's greatest king, author of many Psalms, and an ancestor of Jesus in Christian tradition. The name symbolizes God's favor, courage, and the heart of a poet-warrior.
Is David a Hebrew, Christian, or Muslim name?
David is originally a Hebrew name, and he is a revered figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Islam he is known as Dawud, a prophet and king. This shared heritage across the three Abrahamic faiths makes David one of the most universally recognized names in the world.
What is the personality of someone named David?
Davids are often described as confident, charismatic, and brave. Drawing on the image of the shepherd who faced a giant, the name suggests courage and leadership balanced by sensitivity, since the biblical David was also a musician and poet. Davids tend to be seen as warm, loyal, and naturally magnetic.
What are common nicknames for David?
The most common nicknames are Dave and Davy. Other forms include Davey, Dai (Welsh), and the Spanish or Italian Davide. In Russian it becomes David or Dava, and in Hebrew it stays David. The name is short and strong, so many bearers also simply use David in full.
Who was King David in the Bible?
King David was the second king of Israel, who united the tribes, established Jerusalem as the capital, and is credited with writing many of the Psalms. As a youth he defeated the Philistine giant Goliath with a sling. His reign is seen as a golden age, and the Star of David is named after him.