Davis is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls since the Middle Ages. It comes from the medieval personal name Davus, which was derived from the Roman family name Davius. This name is believed to have originated from the Latin word "davus," meaning "slave" or "servant."
Throughout history, Davis has been a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and memorable name for their child. It has been used by various notable figures throughout history, including the American statesman and president Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose middle name was David but who was known by his family as "Davis." Additionally, the famous English poet and playwright William Shakespeare used the name Davis in his play "The Merry Wives of Windsor."
Despite its historic usage, Davis remains a popular choice for parents today. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Davis has consistently ranked among the top 100 names given to boys since at least the 1960s. It is also used as a girls' name, although it is much less common.
In terms of its meaning and symbolism, the name Davis carries with it some interesting connotations related to its Latin roots. As mentioned earlier, "davus" can be translated as "slave" or "servant." However, it's important to note that this should not be taken negatively. Rather, it can be seen as a reflection of humility and service to others.
Overall, Davis is a name with a rich history and significant meaning behind it. Whether you choose this name for your child because of its historic usage, its unique sound, or its symbolic significance, it's sure to make a strong impression.
The name Davis has a rich history of usage in the United States, with records dating back to at least 1914. According to available data, there were 8 births with the name Davis in that year.
The popularity of the name fluctuated throughout the decades. For instance, it reached a peak in the 1920s with 21 births recorded in 1926, followed by another notable high of 34 births in 2020. Interestingly, there were also periods where the name was less popular, such as in the late 1930s and early 1940s when only a handful of babies named Davis were born each year.
However, it seems that Davis has experienced a resurgence in popularity recently. After reaching another peak in 2020 with 34 births, there were 36 births recorded in 2022. This suggests that the name Davis continues to be chosen by parents for their newborn sons, indicating its enduring appeal.
In total, over the period of available records from 1914 to 2023, there have been a cumulative total of 994 births with the name Davis in the United States. This data provides insights into the historical usage and current popularity of this distinctive name.