David
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Beloved; dear one
Origin: Hebrew — from David (דָּוִד), from dod (beloved, uncle, dear one)
Popularity: Ranked #35 in 2025 with 6,794 babies born.
History: David is the shepherd boy who slew Goliath, became Israel's greatest king, and wrote the Psalms — one of the most complete and compelling figures in the entire Bible. The name has been in the U.S. top 10 for most of the 20th century, holding #1 multiple times between the 1950s and 1960s. David Bowie, David Beckham, and Michelangelo's iconic marble statue have kept it as a name of artistry, courage, and timeless cool. Few names balance such deep biblical gravity with such easy, everyday warmth.
Famous people named David: David Bowie (musician), David Beckham (athlete), David Attenborough (naturalist), King David (biblical)
Name length: 5 letters
How common is David? About 1 in 489 babies born in 2025 were named David, or roughly 18.6 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about David
What does the name David mean?
David means “Beloved; dear one” 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 “Beloved; dear one”.
How popular is David?
David ranked #35 in 2025 — given to 6,794 babies that year.
When was David most popular?
David peaked in 1955 with 86,301 babies registered that year.
Is David a boy or girl name?
David is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Davids in registered births are male.
Is the name David rising or falling in popularity?
David has risen 9512 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #9547 in 2020 to #35 in 2025.
How long has David been recorded?
David appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.