Daven is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the ancient Welsh given name Dafydd. The name Dafydd is believed to have been introduced into Wales by the Normans during their conquest in the 11th century. It was popularized by the legendary Welsh prince, Dafydd ap Gwilym, who lived in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
The meaning of Daven is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be derived from the Old Welsh name Dub Glas, which means "black" or "dark." Some sources also suggest that Daven may be a variant of the Welsh name Daud, which has a similar sound but does not have an established meaning.
Over time, the spelling of Daven has evolved and varied. It is sometimes spelled Davan, Davon, or even Daveen, but its origin remains firmly rooted in ancient Wales. Today, Daven is still considered a Welsh name, but it is also recognized as an independent given name in its own right.
While Daven may not be as widely known as some other Welsh names like Dylan or Evan, it has been used in various parts of the world and has a small but dedicated following among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children. Its meaning, while not definitively proven, adds an air of mystery to the name that may appeal to those who appreciate the unknown.
In conclusion, Daven is a Welsh name with a rich history dating back centuries. While its exact meaning may be unclear, its origins in ancient Wales make it a unique and interesting choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Daven has seen a varied history of popularity over the past seven decades in the United States. Between 1955 and 2023, there have been a total of 2492 births registered with this name.
The earliest records show that Daven was quite uncommon during its first decade of appearance, with only five births recorded in 1955. However, it started gaining traction from the late 1960s onwards. The year 1983 marked a significant turning point as 27 babies were named Daven, becoming the highest number until that point.
The trend continued to rise throughout the 1980s and 1990s, reaching its peak in 1999 with 67 births. This popularity persisted into the new millennium, with Daven being given to at least 40 babies every year between 2000 and 2015.
However, since then, there has been a steady decline in the number of Daven births annually. The most recent data from 2023 shows that this name was given to only 30 newborns, indicating a significant decrease from its peak popularity two decades ago.
Despite this recent downward trend, Daven remains a unique and distinct name with a notable history of usage in the United States over the past seven decades. Its varied popularity throughout these years reflects the evolving tastes and preferences of American parents regarding baby names.