Origin & Meaning of the Davis Surname
What does the last name Davis mean?
The surname Davis carries the meaning "Son of Davis." It is derived from the Welsh language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,116,357 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Davis ranks as the #8 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Davis come from?
The Davis surname has its roots in Welsh/English heritage. Names of Welsh/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 Davis name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Davis trace back to Welsh. 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 | Davis |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Davis |
| Origin | Welsh/English |
| Language | Welsh |
| US Rank (2010) | #8 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,116,357 |
| Per 100K People | 378.45 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Davis
According to the US Census, the Davis surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,116,357 Americans with the Davis last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 62.2% |
| Black | 31.6% |
| Hispanic | 2.44% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.82% |
| Two or More Races | 2.45% |
Popularity of Davis Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Davis surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Davis surname increased by 44,022 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Welsh/English Surnames
Explore more surnames with Welsh/English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Welsh/English origin as Davis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Davis
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