Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
David
BoyHebrew· “beloved”
- Meaning
- beloved
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- DAY-vihd
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #35
- US babies 2025
- 6,794
- Best rank
- #1 (1960)
- Peak year
- 1955
Meaning and origin of David
David is a Hebrew name that means “beloved”.
David is usually explained from the Hebrew dod, "beloved". In the Bible, David is the shepherd who defeats Goliath, becomes king of Israel and is traditionally credited with many of the Psalms. His story made the name widespread among Jews and Christians alike. Saint David is the patron saint of Wales, and two medieval kings of Scotland carried the name. Michelangelo's marble statue of David, completed in the early sixteenth century, remains one of the best-known sculptures in the world. The name feels steady and approachable in any generation. Dave and Davey are traditional nicknames, and forms like Dawid, Davide and Dafydd appear across Europe.
Popularity over time
David has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #1 in 1960, and the most babies received it in 1955, when 86,306 were named David. In 2025, 6,794 babies were named David, and it ranked #35 nationally. That is 43% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #25 in 1920, #5 in 1950, #4 in 1980, #16 in 2000, #15 in 2010, and #35 in 2025. Of the 3,676,654 US boys named David since records began, 21% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 733,953 babies. Since 2010, 162,355 more have been named David.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Steven and Joseph.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, David ranked highest in New York, New Jersey, and South Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #15 | 595 |
| New Jersey | #23 | 232 |
| South Carolina | #27 | 114 |
| Nebraska | #27 | 54 |
| Texas | #29 | 815 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
David is usually pronounced DAY-vihd, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with D and ends in “-id”.
Middle names for David
A few middle names that flow with David: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for David
Similar names
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James Boy
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Miguel Boy
mee-GEHL
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Lists that include David
Frequently asked questions
What does the name David mean?
David is a Hebrew name that means “beloved”.
What is the origin of the name David?
David has Hebrew roots. David is usually explained from the Hebrew dod, "beloved".
Is David a popular name?
Yes. David ranked #35 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is David a boy or girl name?
David is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce David?
David is usually pronounced DAY-vihd. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings