Davis: Exploring the Popularity and Meaning of a Timeless Name

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Davis: Exploring the Popularity and Meaning of a Timeless Name

The name Davis is a classic choice with a rich history and enduring appeal. But how popular is the name Davis? Let’s delve into its origins, popularity trends, and explore similar names that might capture your interest.

(Image of a baby boy with the name Davis displayed)

Davis Name Popularity

Here’s a detailed look at the popularity of the name Davis over the years, based on data from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 435 12 0.0034%
1911 668 5 0.0013%
1912 589 19 0.0038%
1913 589 25 0.0044%
1914 579 39 0.0056%
1915 540 73 0.008%
1916 525 81 0.0084%
1917 512 91 0.0091%
1918 495 108 0.0101%
1919 481 114 0.0109%
1920 588 74 0.0067%
1921 501 116 0.0101%
1922 529 103 0.0092%
1923 570 84 0.0075%
1924 461 140 0.0121%
1925 504 110 0.0097%
1926 543 90 0.0082%
1927 514 105 0.0095%
1928 532 93 0.0087%
1929 561 76 0.0073%
1930 587 70 0.0067%
1931 562 73 0.0074%
1932 538 79 0.008%
1933 593 59 0.0063%
1934 561 76 0.0079%
1935 588 62 0.0064%
1936 542 75 0.0078%
1937 585 63 0.0064%
1938 573 69 0.0067%
1939 575 67 0.0066%
1940 555 76 0.0072%
1941 597 63 0.0056%
1942 619 66 0.0052%
1943 558 84 0.0064%
1944 652 51 0.0041%
1945 550 78 0.0064%
1946 567 88 0.006%
1947 604 88 0.0053%
1948 540 109 0.0068%
1949 559 105 0.0065%
1950 635 74 0.0046%
1951 590 93 0.0055%
1952 608 86 0.0049%
1953 700 64 0.0036%
1954 614 99 0.0054%
1955 651 86 0.0047%
1956 658 88 0.0047%
1957 699 72 0.0037%
1958 648 94 0.005%
1959 640 102 0.0054%
1960 695 80 0.0042%
1961 652 95 0.005%
1962 757 61 0.0033%
1963 713 73 0.0041%
1964 771 56 0.0032%
1965 669 78 0.0048%
1966 716 63 0.004%
1967 694 72 0.0047%
1968 787 47 0.0031%
1969 803 50 0.0032%
1970 747 75 0.0047%
1971 783 63 0.0042%
1972 761 64 0.0047%
1973 841 48 0.0037%
1974 1074 23 0.0018%
1975 881 47 0.0037%
1976 868 49 0.0038%
1977 847 58 0.0043%
1978 797 71 0.0053%
1979 782 77 0.0055%
1980 776 80 0.0055%
1981 704 101 0.0069%
1982 677 114 0.0076%
1983 685 105 0.0071%
1984 644 128 0.0086%
1985 659 126 0.0083%
1986 581 190 0.0126%
1987 580 201 0.0132%
1988 580 210 0.0135%
1989 577 238 0.0147%
1990 613 226 0.0136%
1991 594 250 0.0153%
1992 507 353 0.0221%
1993 461 420 0.0269%
1994 413 513 0.0334%
1995 417 505 0.0335%
1996 409 531 0.0355%
1997 373 619 0.0419%
1998 375 641 0.0428%
1999 366 680 0.0454%
2000 380 650 0.0425%
2001 359 707 0.0469%
2002 393 629 0.042%
2003 370 672 0.0442%
2004 375 705 0.0463%
2005 389 707 0.0462%
2006 404 704 0.045%
2007 394 733 0.0465%
2008 407 694 0.0449%
2009 423 634 0.0424%
2010 417 631 0.0438%
2011 433 590 0.0414%
2012 412 659 0.0462%
2013 438 616 0.0433%
2014 440 636 0.0437%
2015 469 591 0.0406%
2016 480 588 0.0408%
2017 481 557 0.0399%
2018 493 529 0.0385%
2019 522 491 0.0363%
2020 550 462 0.0363%
2021 549 487 0.0398%
2022 640 390 0.0296%
2023 603 428 0.0331%

Data via SSA.gov

The data reveals a fascinating story. While its popularity fluctuated throughout the 20th century, Davis has seen a resurgence in recent decades. It consistently ranks within the top 650 names, indicating a solid and steady presence. The highest number of births recorded with the name Davis, within the provided dataset, occurred in 2001 with 707 births.

Interestingly, the District of Columbia has shown some usage of the name Davis, though at very low numbers.

Meaning and Origin of Davis

Davis is a surname-turned-first name of Welsh origin. It directly translates to "son of David." The name David itself is Hebrew, meaning "beloved." Therefore, Davis carries the connotation of being the "son of the beloved." This simple yet profound meaning contributes to its timeless appeal. The name is associated with strength, heritage, and a sense of connection to family.

Names Like Davis

If you are drawn to the sound and style of Davis, consider these similar names:

Variants of Davis:

  • Dave: A short and friendly diminutive of David, meaning "beloved."
  • Davidson: Meaning "son of David," similar to Davis.
  • Davies: Another variation meaning "son of David."
  • Davison: English origin, meaning "son of David."
  • Daviss: English origin, meaning "son of David."
  • Davy: A charming and classic variation of David.
  • Dayson: English origin, meaning "son of David."
  • Dayton: Meaning "Day’s settlement" or "David’s settlement."

Names that Sound Like Davis:

  • Tavis: Of Irish origin.
  • Tevis: Of Irish origin.

Siblings of Davis

Parents who choose the name Davis often select these names for siblings:

  • Lincoln: Meaning "lake colony" of English origin.

Conclusion

The name Davis boasts a blend of classic charm and modern appeal. Its strong meaning, coupled with its steady popularity, makes it a solid choice for parents seeking a name that is both timeless and relevant. Whether you’re drawn to its Welsh roots, its connection to the beloved David, or simply its pleasant sound, Davis is a name worthy of consideration.