David
Meaning of David
David comes from the Hebrew name Dawid, and standard dictionaries give its meaning as "beloved." The precise Hebrew root is uncertain — some reference works point to a word for "uncle," others to a root meaning "to boil" — but "beloved" is the usual gloss. English speakers say DAY-vid, in both the United States and Britain.
Its defining association is King David, the shepherd who became the second king of Israel, remembered for defeating Goliath and traditionally credited with the Psalms. The hexagram known as the Star of David is a symbol of Judaism and appears on the flag of Israel, whose first prime minister was David Ben-Gurion. Michelangelo's marble David, carved in Florence in the early 1500s, is among the most famous sculptures in the world, and Saint David is the patron saint of Wales. Widely known modern bearers include the musician David Bowie and the naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough.
In the United States the name has never ranked lower than 35th. It reached first place in 1960, when 85,929 babies were given it, up from 46,444 in 1946. Use has declined since: 6,794 babies and 35th place in 2025.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as DAY-vid (/ˈdeɪvɪd/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named David
| David Beckham is an English former footballer and co owner of Inter Miami and Salford City, famed for pinpoint passes and set pieces, winner of 19 major trophies and the only Englishman to claim league titles in England, Spain, the United States, and France. |
| David Bowie, born David Robert Jones, was an English singer, songwriter, and actor whose 1970s innovations, striking visuals, and constant reinvention made him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. |
| Sir David Attenborough is a British broadcaster and natural historian whose eight decades of documentaries from Zoo Quest to Planet Earth and The Blue Planet have earned him unique BAFTA wins across every format and many honors including three Emmys. |
| David Ben-Gurion, the primary founder of Israel and its first prime minister, led the Jewish Agency and the drive for an independent Jewish state in Mandatory Palestine. |
| David Letterman is an American television host and comedian who led Late Night and Late Show for 33 years, becoming the longest-serving late-night talk show host in American television history. |
| David Fincher is an acclaimed American film director whose movies have earned over two billion worldwide and brought him three Best Director Oscar nominations plus multiple Emmys, Grammys, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe. |
| David Copperfield, born David Seth Kotkin, is an American stage magician and illusionist Forbes calls the most commercially successful in history. |
