Declining since 2016, #3,949 for boys today.
Popularity of Davidson since 1924
Babies named Davidson per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2009, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Davidson's real moment was 2017.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 8 |
| 1950s | 12 |
| 1960s | 13 |
| 1970s | 60 |
| 1980s | 137 |
| 1990s | 200 |
| 2000s | 272 |
| 2010s | 286 |
| 2020s | 145 |
Meaning & origin
Davidson is a patronymic surname adopted as a given name, following a familiar American naming pattern. It first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1924, though it has never been common. Its peak popularity came in 2017, ranking 3,949 in 2025. The name has been on a declining trajectory since 2016. Davidson is most frequently given in Florida, reflecting regional preferences for surname-style names. Like many similar names, it offers the familiar nicknames Dave and Davy while maintaining a formal, surname-like feel.
Davidson is a patronymic surname turned given name, formed from the biblical Hebrew name David (meaning 'beloved') combined with the English suffix '-son' meaning 'son of'. As a given name, it emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of surnames as first names.
Where Davidson is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dave, Davy
Variants: Davison
Sibling names for Davidson
Names that share Davidson's style, for a brother or sister.
