David
Meaning: In the name David — a name that tastes of earth and iron
Origin: Hebrew — from David (דָּוִד), from dod (beloved, uncle, dear one)
Gender: Boy
Rank in Ireland: #4
Total births: 50,892
History: David surged in Irish popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, becoming one of the most common names on school rolls from Cork to Donegal. While Hebrew in origin, it found an Irish home partly through devotion to St. David and partly through cultural exchange with Britain. David O'Leary became a celebrated Irish footballer, while numerous Davids have captained GAA county teams. The name peaked in the 1970s but remains well-loved across all 32 counties.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #45 |
| Babies named David in 2025 | 114 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 50,892 |
| Peak year | 1980 (1,740 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #1 |
| Years in records | 1964–2025 (62 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 12 spots |
Frequently asked about David
What does the name David mean?
David means “In the name David — a name that tastes of earth and iron” from Hebrew — from David (דָּוִד), from dod (beloved, uncle, dear one) roots.
What is the origin of the name David?
David has Hebrew — from David (דָּוִד), from dod (beloved, uncle, dear one) origin. The traditional meaning is “In the name David — a name that tastes of earth and iron”.
How popular is David in Ireland?
David ranked #45 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 114 babies that year.
When was David most popular?
David peaked in 1980 with 1,740 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is David a boy or girl name?
David is predominantly a boys' name in Ireland — over 90% of Davids in registered births are male.
Is the name David rising or falling in popularity?
David has fallen 12 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #33 in 2020 to #45 in 2025.
How long has David been recorded in Ireland?
David appears in birth records in Ireland across 62 years — from 1964 through 2025.