Origin & Meaning of the Davidson Surname
What does the last name Davidson mean?
The surname Davidson carries the meaning "Son of David." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 103,930 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Davidson ranks as the #301 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Davidson come from?
The Davidson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Davidson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Davidson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Davidson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of David |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #301 |
| US Count (2010) | 103,930 |
| Per 100K People | 35.23 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Davidson
According to the US Census, the Davidson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 103,930 Americans with the Davidson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.38% |
| Black | 10.08% |
| Hispanic | 2.35% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 0.65% |
| Two or More Races | 1.88% |
Popularity of Davidson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Davidson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Davidson surname increased by 1,886 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Davidson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Davidson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Davidson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Davidson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Davidson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Davidson
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Davidson surname also look for: