David: meaning and origin
David
“Beloved”
About the name David
David is a boy’s name from the Hebrew tradition. Its meaning is “beloved”. Names from Hebrew, many of them from the Bible. They have been used in English for centuries — from Hannah and Sarah to Noah, Elijah and Levi.
David is a biblical name, found in the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament, which is one reason it has been used for centuries in English-speaking families.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean love or beloved.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Hebrew names
- Aaron 👦Exalted, mountain of strength · Hebrew
- Abraham 👦Father of many · Hebrew
- Adam 👦Man, earth · Hebrew
- Amos 👦Carried by God · Hebrew
- Ari 👦Lion · Hebrew
- Asher 👦Happy, blessed · Hebrew
- Benjamin 👦Son of the right hand · Hebrew
- Boaz 👦Swiftness, strength · Hebrew
- Caleb 👦Faithful, devoted · Hebrew
- Daniel 👦God is my judge · Hebrew
- Eitan 👦Strong, steady · Hebrew
- Eli 👦Ascended, uplifted · Hebrew
Sibling name ideas (Hebrew, girls)
- Abigail 👧My father is joy · Hebrew
- Anna 👧Grace, favor; a form of Hannah · Hebrew
- Ayla 👧Oak tree · Hebrew
- Daniela 👧God is my judge · Hebrew
- Delilah 👧Delicate · Hebrew
- Eden 👧Delight; the Garden of Eden · Hebrew
- Eliana 👧My God has answered · Hebrew
- Elizabeth 👧My God is an oath · Hebrew
More boy names starting with D
- Dakari 👦A modern American name; happiness · African American
- Damian 👦To tame, subdue · Greek
- Daniel 👦God is my judge · Hebrew
- Dante 👦Enduring, steadfast · Italian
- Darnell 👦Hidden nook; from an English surname, popular in African American families · African American
- Declan 👦Full of goodness; an Irish saint · Irish
- DeShawn 👦God is gracious; a modern American blend of De- and Shawn · African American
- Dev 👦God, divine · Sanskrit / Indian
- Diego 👦Supplanter; a Spanish form of James · Spanish
- Dmitri 👦Devoted to Demeter, the earth goddess · Slavic
Questions and answers
What does the name David mean?
David is a name of Hebrew origin. It means: beloved.
Is David a boy or girl name?
David is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does David have?
David has 5 letters and about 2 syllables.
Is David a popular name?
Yes. David has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.