David is one of the most popular baby names of all time. It’s a Biblical baby name of Hebrew origin, with a sweet meaning—beloved.
As one of the most beloved baby names, you’ll find plenty of David namesakes, from the Biblical king (who bested the giant Goliath), through popular pop culture characters like David Rose from Schitt’s Creek.
Historical Davids include rock legends Bowie, Byrne, Matthews, and Grohl; soccer star David Beckham; philosopher David Hume; director David Lynch; actors Duchovny, Tennant, Hasselhoff, Arquette, Schwimmer, and Spade; talk show host David Letterman; comedian Dave Chappelle; and rocker David Lee Roth. Pop culture favorites include David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, David Rose from Schitt’s Creek, and Michaelangelo’s statue of David.
If you love the “beloved” baby name meaning, but aren’t a fan of David, there are a ton of other baby names you can choose from, including Amadea or Amadeus, Amy, Aiko, Aziz, Cher, Darrell, Didier, Esme, Jebediah, Marianne, Mariella, Maria, Miriam, Moira, Priya, and Thandie.
It was a top 10 name from the 1930s all the way through the 1990s, and has never dropped below the top 35.
David in quotes:
“Be strong and of good courage. Fear not or be dismayed.” —David, The Bible
“I like the wine, not the label.” David Rose, Schitt’s Creek
“And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations.
They're quite aware of what they're going through.”—Changes, David Bowie
“This whole world is wild at heart and weird on top.”—David Lynch
Meanings
Biblical Baby Names Meaning:
In Biblical Baby Names the meaning of the name David is: Well-beloved, dear'.
Hebrew Baby Names Meaning:
In Hebrew Baby Names the meaning of the name David is: Beloved or friend. The Old Testament David killed the giant Goliath in 10th Century BC, then succeeded Saul as King of Israel.
Scottish Baby Names Meaning:
In Scottish Baby Names the meaning of the name David is: Beloved or friend, adopted from the Hebrew. David was a common name of Scottish kings in the Middle Ages.
Swedish Baby Names Meaning:
In Swedish Baby Names the meaning of the name David is: Beloved.
Welsh Baby Names Meaning:
In Welsh Baby Names the meaning of the name David is: Beloved or friend, from the Hebrew. Sixth century St David (or Dewi) was patron saint of Wales.
American Baby Names Meaning:
In American Baby Names the meaning of the name David is: Beloved.