Origin
The name Davis is of Welsh origin, derived from the patronymic form meaning 'son of David'. It is an Anglicised surname that has been used as a given name, especially in English-speaking countries. In the context of Australian history, it became popular as a first name in the 19th and 20th centuries, influenced by British naming traditions and the prominence of the surname in British and Irish communities. It is not specifically linked to Aboriginal or Māori origins.
Meaning
The name Davis means 'son of David'. The given name David is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'beloved'. When used as a first name, Davis retains the connotation of heritage and connection to the biblical figure of David, symbolising qualities such as leadership, strength, and faith.
Pronunciation
/ˈdeɪvəs/ — Day-vus, with stress on the first syllable, adhering to Australian English pronunciation conventions: /ˈdeɪ.vəs/ , where the 'a' sounds as in 'day' and the ending is a schwa.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Davy (diminutive), Dave (short form), Davide (Italian variant)
- Devidas (Indian variant), Daevy (informal variant) as adaptations for cultural diversity in Australia.
- No specific script variants; written forms remain standard in Latin script.
Nicknames
- Davy
- Dave
- D
Name Days
- 29 December (Feast of Saint David)
- 1 March (Māori celebration of Māui) in certain calendar contexts, though not widely observed in Australia.
- Māori and Aboriginal community events may celebrate significant cultural dates, but these are not officially named 'Davis'.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with davis:
- James Davis and Charlotte Davis
- William Davis and Olivia Davis
- Henry Davis and Emily Davis
Fun Facts
- The surname Davis is among the top 20 most common surnames in Australia.
- Australian sportspeople like Davis Cup tennis players have popularised the name in recent decades.
- Davis is also the name of various geographical locations and landmarks in Australia, such as Davis Park and Davis Creek.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name davis:
- Confident
- Dependable
- Traditional
- Resilient
Aesthetic Qualities
Simple, strong, and classic appearance. The name carries a straightforward typographic presence that is versatile for modern and traditional designs in Australia.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban and southern Australian states such as Victoria and New South Wales, where European surnames and given names are widely used, though it is generally well-distributed across the country.
Numerological Significance
Name number 3, associated with creativity, expression, and social interaction, often considered a positive and dynamic number in Australian numerology.
Astrological Connections
No specific zodiac associations, but individuals named Davis born under fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) may be associated with leadership and energy.
Historical Context
The name Davis gained prominence in Australia through its association with British settlers and notable figures bearing the surname. It is also linked to historic Australian athletes and public figures, contributing to its cultural recognition.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across English-speaking countries, maintaining pronunciation and spelling with minimal variation. Variants include Dave and Davy in informal contexts.
Famous People Named davis
- Davis Cup (Australian tennis team)
- Davis Gelatery (famous ice cream parlour in Sydney)
- Davis Carlie (Australian actor)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |