Noah Boy
NOH-uh
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Davis
BoyEnglish, Welsh· “son of David”
- Meaning
- son of David
- Origin
- English, Welsh
- Pronunciation
- DAY-vihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #668
- US babies 2025
- 409
- Best rank
- #338 (1901)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Davis
Davis is an English and Welsh name that means “son of David”.
Davis is an English and Welsh surname meaning son of David. David comes from Hebrew and is usually understood as beloved. David was the shepherd boy who became king of Israel, and the name spread widely in Wales, where Saint David is the patron saint, which helps explain why Davis and Davies are so common there. Davis is one of the most frequent surnames in the United States, and as a first name it has a friendly, preppy style. It is easy to spell and pronounce, and Dave or Davy can serve as nicknames.
Popularity over time
Davis 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 #338 in 1901, and the most babies received it in 2007, when 756 were named Davis. In 2025, 409 babies were named Davis, and it ranked #668 nationally. That is 35% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #577 in 1920, #611 in 1950, #743 in 1980, #381 in 2000, #420 in 2010, and #668 in 2025. Of the 32,076 US boys named Davis since records began, 22% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 6,210 babies. Since 2010, 8,966 more have been named Davis.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jadon, Jamari, Uriel, Jaydon, and Brodie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Davis ranked highest in Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #262 | 21 |
| Mississippi | #323 | 10 |
| North Carolina | #333 | 35 |
| Utah | #357 | 13 |
| Tennessee | #362 | 23 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Davis over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Davis is usually pronounced DAY-vihs, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with D and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Davis
A few middle names that flow with Davis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Davis
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Lists that include Davis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Davis mean?
Davis is an English and Welsh name that means “son of David”.
What is the origin of the name Davis?
Davis has English, Welsh, and Hebrew roots. Davis is an English and Welsh surname meaning son of David.
Is Davis a popular name?
Yes. Davis ranked #668 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Davis a boy or girl name?
Davis is mainly a boy's name. About 96% of US babies named Davis over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Davis?
Davis is usually pronounced DAY-vihs. 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