Declining since 2004, #668 for boys today.
Popularity of Davis since 1880
Babies named Davis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2007, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Davis's real moment was 2001.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 152 |
| 1890s | 156 |
| 1900s | 215 |
| 1910s | 868 |
| 1920s | 1,347 |
| 1930s | 1,134 |
| 1940s | 1,304 |
| 1950s | 1,371 |
| 1960s | 1,151 |
| 1970s | 1,113 |
| 1980s | 2,041 |
| 1990s | 5,122 |
| 2000s | 7,136 |
| 2010s | 6,210 |
| 2020s | 2,756 |
Meaning & origin
Davis began appearing as a first name in official U.S. records as early as 1880, and by its peak year of 2001 it had climbed to rank 668. In the most recent data (2025), approximately 1 in 4,176 boys received the name, showing its steady if niche presence. The name has a falling trajectory since 2004, yet it remains concentrated in Southern states like Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina. This geographic pattern reflects its roots as a common surname in the region, often used to honor family lineages. Davis offers a straightforward, surname-style choice that blends traditional appeal with a modern, unpretentious feel.
Davis is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of David'. The given name David derives from the Hebrew name Dawid, likely meaning 'beloved'. Davis emerged as a first name in the United States in the 19th century, often used to honor a family surname. It remains moderately popular, particularly in the American South.
Where Davis is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Davis” around the world
Where Davis lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dave, Davy
Sibling names for Davis
Names that share Davis's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Davis
Names whose popularity has moved with Davis's over the last 50 years.
