David is a popular given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "beloved" or "friend." It is derived from the ancient Hebrew name Dawid, which is believed to have been used since biblical times. In the Old Testament of the Bible, David was a shepherd boy who later became the second king of Israel, known for his bravery and wisdom.
The name David has been widely used throughout history and across various cultures. It gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages due to the spread of Christianity and the reverence for King David as a prominent figure in the Bible. In English-speaking countries, the name David became particularly popular in the 19th century and has remained a classic choice ever since.
Some notable figures throughout history have borne the name David, including several kings and rulers, such as King David II of Scotland (reigned 1329-1371) and Tsar David I of Georgia (reigned 1089-1125). Additionally, many artists, writers, and scientists have been named David, contributing to the name's enduring popularity and recognition. These include French impressionist painter Edgar Degas, American novelist and short-story writer Isaac Asimov, and British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking.
In literature and popular culture, the name David has appeared in numerous works, further cementing its place in history and collective consciousness. Examples include Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield," Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo," and more recently, J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, where the character of Professor David Ravenclaw plays a significant role.
In summary, the name David has its roots in ancient Hebrew culture and religion, with its meaning and usage evolving over time across various languages and cultures. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its biblical significance, historical figures, and appearances in literature and popular culture.
The name David has seen a significant decline in popularity over the past century. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were consistently more than 5 births per year with peaks reaching as high as 21 births in 1914. However, by the mid-1960s, this number began to decline significantly, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 6 births in 2022. Overall, there have been a total of 12,946 births named David from 1883 to 2023.