Davidson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Davidson come from? What does the surname Davidson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Davidson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
David
Surname Davidson Origin: What does the last name Davidson mean?
Davidson is a patronymic surname originating from Scotland, meaning "son/descendant of David" or "Beloved Son/Descendant." Clan Davidson, part of the Clan Chattan Confederation, used an anglicized version of the Gaelic "mac Daibhidh." Variations like Davidsen, Davison, and Davidsson are common in the British Isles and Scandinavia. The surname is linked to the Hebrew name "David," signifying "beloved." While rarely used as a given name, Davidson is also an anglicized version of the Jewish surname Davidovitch, meaning "son of David" or Davidoff.
According to YourRoots data, the Davidson surname emerged in Scotland in the early 14th century, with records indicating its association with the United Kingdom. The surname's presence expanded to the United States by the 17th century, with significant growth observed from the 18th century onwards. Today, the Davidson surname is prevalent in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, showcasing its global distribution and historical significance.
Davidson Last Name History: Where did the last name Davidson come from?
Origin of Davidson Surname: Where does the last name Davidson originate from?
YourRoots data shows that the Davidson surname first appeared in records from Scotland, part of the United Kingdom, around the early 14th century. It's important to note that this only represents the data available in YourRoots database for the exact "Davidson" spelling, and excludes other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Davidson: What does the Davidson surname history look like in the early days?
The Davidson surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom, specifically Scotland, from the 14th through the 16th century. Beginning in the 17th century, YourRoots data records an increase in the volume of Davidson family records in the United States. This trend continued into the 18th century, suggesting early growth and migration patterns for the Davidson surname.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Davidson surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records with the Davidson surname significantly increased in the United States. By the 19th century, the United States had surpassed the United Kingdom in the number of Davidson records. This trend has continued into the 20th century and beyond. Today, the Davidson surname is prevalent in the United States and can be found in other countries globally, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Explore Davidson last name heritage and Davidson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Davidson Surame?
Pete Davidson
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Tommy Davidson
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Eileen Davidson
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Amy Davidson
Amy Davidson (born Sep 15, 1979) is an American actress known for her role as Kerry Hennessy in the ABC sitcom 8 Simple Rules. Raised by educators in Phoenix, Arizona, she began her career in Hollywood after appearing in TV movies and series like So Little Time. Davidson also runs a fashion and lifestyle blog.
Alaska P. Davidson
Alaska Packard Davidson (March 1, 1868 - July 16, 1934) was the first female special agent in the FBI. She worked on cases related to sex trafficking and surveillance. Davidson's early life included managing a factory and being an equestrian. Despite limited schooling, she made significant contributions during her time at the Bureau.
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