David Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname David come from? What does the surname David mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name David and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname David Origin: What does the last name David mean?
The surname David originated in Scotland, United Kingdom around the early 11th century, according to YourRoots data. It remained closely associated with Wales from the 11th through the 16th centuries before gaining prominence in the United States from the 17th century onwards. The surname David is now prominently seen in the United States, with a growing presence in other regions worldwide while maintaining its roots in the United Kingdom.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the David surname in the United Kingdom since the early 11th century. The surname's history unfolded over the centuries, with the United States surpassing the United Kingdom in terms of David surname records by the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the David surname is widely spread across various countries, showcasing its enduring legacy and global reach.
David Last Name History: Where did the last name David come from?
Origin of David Surname: Where does the last name David originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname David first appeared in records from Scotland, United Kingdom around the early 11th century. Keep in mind that this reflects only the YourRoots data for the exact “David” spelling and does not account for other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name David: How did the David surname history unfold in the early days?
The “David” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom, particularly Wales, from the 11th through the 16th centuries. The frequency of David family records then started to increase notably in the United States from the 17th century onwards, indicating a geographical shift over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the David surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the David surname began to grow significantly in the United States. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, with the United States surpassing the United Kingdom in terms of the volume of David surname records. Today, the “David” surname is prominently seen in the United States, but it also appears in other regions worldwide, maintaining roots in the United Kingdom and extending to other countries.
Explore David last name heritage and David surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With David Surame?
Larry David
Lawrence Gene David (July 2, 1947 - present) is an American comedian, actor, writer, and television producer known for co-creating the iconic sitcom Seinfeld with Jerry Seinfeld. He also created and stars in the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm, where he plays a fictionalized version of himself. David has won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on Seinfeld and has been nominated for his contributions to television comedy. He continues to make appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live and has had success on Broadway. David is a well-respected figure in the comedy world and has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Keith David
Keith David (June 4, 1956 - ) is an American actor known for his deep voice and versatile acting skills. With over 300 roles in film, television, and interactive media, he has appeared in iconic movies like The Thing, Platoon, and Armageddon. David has also made a mark in voice acting, portraying characters in popular series such as Gargoyles, Adventure Time, and Rick and Morty. His Emmy-winning narration in Ken Burns documentaries and voice work in animated films like The Princess and the Frog showcase his talent. Whether on screen or behind the mic, Keith David's presence is unforgettable.
Damiano David
Damiano David (January 8, 1999 - ) is an Italian singer and songwriter known as the frontman of the rock band Måneskin. He gained international fame after winning the Sanremo Music Festival and Eurovision Song Contest in 2021 with the hit song "Zitti e buoni". With a unique vocal style and androgynous fashion sense, David is celebrated for his charisma and musical talent. He is also an advocate for racial and LGBT+ rights, promoting a message of creativity and freedom through his music.
Tim David
Timothy Hays David (born Mar 16, 1996) is a Singaporean and Australian cricketer known for his dynamic batting in T20 matches. He made his international debut for Singapore before switching to Australia, playing in major leagues like the Indian Premier League and The Hundred. David's standout performances earned him a spot in the Australian national team for the T20 World Cup. With a knack for hitting boundaries and taking crucial wickets, he continues to make waves in the cricketing world.
Craig David
Craig Ashley David (born May 5, 1981) is an English singer who gained fame in 1999 with the hit single "Re-Rewind." Known for his debut album Born to Do It, David has released multiple successful albums, collaborating with artists like Sting and Tinchy Stryder. Growing up in Southampton, he overcame childhood bullying to pursue a career in music, influenced by his father's reggae background. With a diverse musical style, David's career has spanned decades, with his ninth album set for release in 2025.
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