Davis Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Davis come from? What does the surname Davis mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Davis and family migration on YourRoots Map.
David, Daves, Davies
Surname Davis Origin: What does the last name Davis mean?
Davis is a surname of Welsh origin, possibly stemming from the corruption of Dyfed or being a patronymic surname (son of David). The name has been recorded as early as the 12th century in Wales, with notable figures like Dafydd ap Gruffydd and Dafydd ab Edmwnd carrying variations of the name. In the United States, Davis is the seventh most commonly reported surname, accounting for 0.48% of the population according to the 2000 census, with a notable presence preceding Garcia and following Miller.
YourRoots data indicates that the Davis surname has a long history, first documented in records from England in the early 12th century. The frequency of Davis records increased notably from the 15th century onwards, particularly in the United States, where it has become a prominent surname. The surname has also spread globally, with significant presence in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, among others, showcasing the widespread reach and enduring legacy of the Davis name.
Davis Last Name History: Where did the last name Davis come from?
Origin of Davis Surname: Where does the last name Davis originate from?
Based on the YourRoots data, the surname Davis was first documented in records from England (United Kingdom) around the early 12th century. This information is exclusive to the YourRoots database and pertains to the exact spelling of ‚"Davis," excluding other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Davis: What does the Davis surname history look like in the early days?
The Davis surname stayed predominantly tied to England from the 12th to the 14th century. However, a noticeable growth in the frequency of Davis records can be seen from the 15th century onwards, particularly in the United States. The YourRoots data also indicates the presence of the Davis surname in other countries, suggesting an early phase of global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Davis surname today?
Starting from the 16th century, the frequency of Davis records grew remarkably in the United States, surpassing England by the 17th century. This trend persisted into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Davis surname is prominent not only in the United States and England but also in various regions around the globe. It is found in numerous countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and Jamaica, among others.
Explore Davis last name heritage and Davis surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Davis Surame?
Jonathan Davis
Jonathan Howsmon Davis (born Jan 18, 1971) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician known as JD. He is the lead vocalist of nu metal band Korn, influencing a generation of musicians. Davis has a successful solo career, collaborating across genres and earning multiple Grammy Awards.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis (August 11, 1965 - present) is a highly acclaimed American actress and film producer. She has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award and multiple Tony Awards. Davis is known for her powerful performances in films like "Fences" and TV series like "How to Get Away with Murder." She is also a vocal advocate for human rights and women of color.
Geena Davis
Virginia Elizabeth "Geena" Davis (born Jan 21, 1956) is an American actor known for her roles in iconic films like "Beetlejuice," "Thelma & Louise," and the "Stuart Little" franchise. She won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe and founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.
Bette Davis
Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis (April 5, 1908 – October 6, 1989) was a legendary American actress known for her versatile performances in film, television, and theater. Davis was a two-time Academy Award winner and one of Hollywood's greatest leading ladies, with a career spanning over 100 roles.
Kristin Davis
Kristin Landen Davis (February 23, 1965 - ) is an American actress best known for her role as Charlotte York in the HBO series Sex and the City. She has also appeared in films like The Shaggy Dog and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.
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