Davis is a surname of Welsh origin that was originally derived from the personal name David. The name David comes from the Hebrew name "Dawid," which means "beloved" or "uncle." It is believed to have been brought to Wales by the Normans who invaded England in the 11th century.
The surname Davis has been in use for many centuries and can be found throughout the British Isles, as well as in other parts of the world where there has been significant Welsh migration. Some notable individuals with the surname Davis include the American actor and comedian Sammy Davis Jr., the English footballer Rio Ferdinand, and the American singer-songwriter Taylor Davis.
Despite its Welsh origins, the name Davis is not particularly common in Wales today. However, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, masculine name with a touch of historical significance. In some cases, the name may also be chosen because of its association with famous people who share the surname. Overall, Davis is a versatile and timeless name that has stood the test of time throughout history.
In conclusion, Davis is a surname of Welsh origin that has been in use for many centuries. It comes from the personal name David, which means "beloved" or "uncle," and can be found throughout the British Isles and other parts of the world with significant Welsh migration. While it may not be particularly common in Wales today, Davis remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name with historical significance. Some notable individuals with the surname Davis include Sammy Davis Jr., Rio Ferdinand, and Taylor Davis.
The data provided shows the number of babies named Davis born each year in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, the name's popularity has fluctuated significantly.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Davis was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 50 births per year between 1880 and 1943. However, starting in 1946, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Davis, with over 100 births annually until 1959.
The peak of popularity for the name Davis occurred between 1986 and 2001, during which time it consistently ranked among the top 500 most popular names. In 1994, Davis reached its highest point of popularity, with 542 births that year.
Since 2002, the name Davis has experienced a decline in popularity, falling out of the top 1000 names in recent years. In 2022 and 2023, there were only 439 and 454 babies named Davis, respectively, indicating that it is now quite uncommon.
Overall, while Davis was once a popular name in the United States, its popularity has waned over time. Despite this decline, it remains an enduring choice for parents looking for a classic, timeless name with historical significance.