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David Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the David Surname

The surname David, with origins tracing back to the early medieval period in Scotland, is a notable name within family-history circles. Historically, it is thought to have originated as a patronymic or a derivative of the biblical name David, meaning "beloved" in Hebrew. Over time, it has become associated with various regions and cultures, reflecting a rich tapestry of family lineage and heritage.

The David surname has seen significant geographical spread and cultural influence over the centuries. Notably, the 12th century saw a concentration of the David family in Wales, where it became an integral part of the region's medieval history. The name's prominence continued to grow, with a notable presence in Hungary, where the Dávïd family emerged as a noble lineage. Over time, individuals bearing the David surname migrated and integrated into diverse societies, including those in the United States, enriching the cultural landscape.

YourRoots data provides a deeper insight into the David family tree, confirming its early presence in Scotland and subsequent spread to Wales by the 12th century. This aligns with historical accounts of the surname's growth during the medieval period. By the 16th century, the David name had established a significant presence in Wales, and YourRoots records trace its migration to the United States in the 17th century, illustrating the family's global expansion.

Today, David genealogy records reflect a widespread distribution, particularly in the United States. This enduring legacy, as captured in YourRoots data, offers valuable resources for those interested in exploring their connections to the David family tree, enriching the understanding of this dynamic surname's history and evolution.

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Tracing Your David Family Lineage

Origin of the David Family: Where does the David surname come from?

The earliest known appearance of the David surname can be traced back to Scotland during the early medieval period. This pivotal moment marks the genesis of family trees for those carrying the David name, establishing roots in a region rich in history and culture. The connection to Scotland not only highlights the surname's origins but also sets the stage for the family's evolution across generations and geographies.

Genealogy and Early Family History of David

Throughout the subsequent centuries, the David family began to spread significantly, with a notable concentration in Wales during the medieval period. In the 12th century, the surname saw its first substantial increase in Wales, where family lines flourished and branched out, establishing foundations for future generations. By the 15th century, the number of David families grew considerably, indicating a vibrant community that contributed to the rich tapestry of Welsh history.

As the family tree continued to branch out, the 16th century marked a peak in the presence of the David surname in Wales, solidifying its status as a significant lineage in the region. The families established themselves through various means, including agriculture, trade, and service, which allowed them to thrive and expand their family trees in the following centuries. This period of growth laid the groundwork for the global migration of the David surname that would follow.

Tracing the David Family Tree Through the Centuries

From the 17th century onward, the David surname began to expand beyond its Welsh roots, with a notable migration to the United States. This transition marked a new chapter in the family's history, as many individuals sought new opportunities across the Atlantic, bringing their lineage with them. By the 18th century, the David family had established a significant presence in the United States, contributing to the diverse fabric of American society.

The 19th century ushered in an even greater spread of the David surname, as families continued to grow and interconnect in their new homeland. This global expansion illustrates the dynamic nature of the David family tree, showcasing how descendants adapted to their surroundings while preserving their ancestral ties. By the 20th century, the David surname had become well-distributed, highlighting the family's resilience and ability to thrive in various contexts.

Where to Find David Genealogy Records Today

In modern times, the David surname continues to be prevalent across various regions, particularly in the United States, where it has established deep roots. As families evolve, the global spread of the surname serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the David lineage. Readers interested in exploring their own connections to the David family tree are encouraged to delve into the extensive records available in the YourRoots database, which can illuminate their unique

Famous People with David (and Their Family Tree)

Larry David

Lawrence Gene David, known as Larry David, is a renowned American comedian, actor, writer, and producer, acclaimed for co-creating the iconic NBC sitcom "Seinfeld" alongside Jerry Seinfeld. David was the head writer and executive producer for the first seven seasons, earning two Primetime Emmy Awards. He further gained fame with HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," where he stars as a fictionalized version of himself. David's career includes writing for "Saturday Night Live," and his Broadway debut with "Fish in the Dark." Throughout his illustrious career, he has been nominated for 27 Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards, solidifying his status as a comedy legend.

Larry David was born on July 2, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York City, to Rose and Mortimer Julius "Morty" David, a men's clothing manufacturer. David's family has Jewish roots, with his father's lineage tracing back to Germany in the 19th century, while his mother's family, originally from Ternopil (now in Ukraine), was of Polish-Jewish descent. He has an older brother named Ken. David graduated from Sheepshead Bay High School and later attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he discovered his comedic talent.

Keith David

Keith David, born Keith David Williams on June 4, 1956, is a renowned American actor celebrated for his deep voice and commanding screen presence. With a career spanning over 300 roles across film, television, and interactive media, he is best known for his performances in "The Thing," "Platoon," "Greenleaf," and as the voice of Goliath in "Gargoyles." His Emmy-winning narration in Ken Burns' documentaries, like "Jazz" and "The War," further highlights his versatile talent. Keith David's voice acting extends to popular video games, including the "Halo" and "Mass Effect" series, solidifying his status as a multifaceted performer.

Keith David was born in Harlem and raised in Corona, Queens, New York City. His mother, Dolores (née Dickenson), managed operations at New York Telephone, while his father, Lester Williams, directed payroll operations. This family background in New York City played a foundational role in shaping his early life experiences.

Damiano David

Damiano David, born on January 8, 1999, in Rome, is an Italian singer-songwriter renowned as the frontman of the rock band Måneskin. He gained international fame after Måneskin's victory at the Sanremo Music Festival and the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021 with the song "Zitti e buoni." In 2024, he embarked on a solo career with singles like "Silverlines" and "Born with a Broken Heart," preceding his debut album "Funny Little Fears" set for release in 2025. Known for his charismatic stage presence, David is also a fashion icon, advocating for a healthy lifestyle and creativity free from drug influence.

Damiano David was born to Daniele David and Rossella Scognamiglio, both flight attendants. His upbringing, alongside his older brother Jacopo, involved extensive travel, exposing him to diverse cultures. This global exposure, coupled with his early involvement in basketball, helped shape his disciplined and successful career in music.

Tim David

Timothy Hays David, born in Singapore on 16 March 1996, is a renowned cricketer with dual Singaporean and Australian nationality. He initially represented Singapore in international cricket between 2019 and 2020 before switching allegiance to Australia in 2022. He played a pivotal role in the Australian squad during the 2022 T20 World Cup. David is a sought-after player in various Twenty20 franchise leagues, including the Indian Premier League, where he currently plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and has had notable stints in the Big Bash League with Hobart Hurricanes and Pakistan Super League with Multan Sultans.

Tim David's family background is rooted in cricket, as his father, Rod David, was also a cricketer who represented Singapore in the 1997 ICC Trophy. The family moved from Australia to Singapore in the 1990s due to Rod's engineering career. After the 1997 Asian financial crisis, they relocated back to Australia, where Tim grew up in Perth.

Craig David

Craig David, an influential English singer, gained prominence in 1999 with Artful Dodger's "Re-Rewind" and achieved massive success with his debut album "Born to Do It" in 2000, selling over 8 million copies worldwide. Known for hits like "Fill Me In" and "7 Days," David has released eight studio albums, collaborated with artists like Sting and JoJo, and is set to release his ninth album "Commitment" in 2025. His notable achievements include topping UK charts and being voted as having the second "Greatest Album of All Time" by MTV viewers.

Born in Southampton, Craig David is the son of Tina (née Loftus), a retail assistant, and George David, a carpenter and reggae band musician. His father hails from Grenada, and his Anglo-Jewish mother is related to the founders of the Accurist watch company. Raised by his mother after his parents separated, David was influenced by his father's musical background and began his music journey in local clubs.

David Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "David" has diverse origins and meanings, with notable connections to a Hungarian noble family known as the Dávid family, based in present-day Slovakia. It is also associated with various prominent individuals across different eras and professions, including musicians, politicians, and athletes, reflecting its widespread use and cultural significance.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for David

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the David family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the David surname to learn more.