David: meaning of the Hebrew name
דָּוִד
Pronounced dah-VEED
Meaning of David
David means beloved or dear friend, from the Hebrew word dod. It is the name of King David, the shepherd from Bethlehem who became king of Israel and who, according to tradition, composed the Psalms.
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
וַיִּקַּח שְׁמוּאֵל אֶת־קֶרֶן הַשֶּׁמֶן וַיִּמְשַׁח אֹתוֹ בְּקֶרֶב אֶחָיו וַתִּצְלַח רוּחַ־יְהֹוָה אֶל־דָּוִד מֵהַיּוֹם הַהוּא וָמָעְלָה וַיָּקׇם שְׁמוּאֵל וַיֵּלֶךְ הָרָמָתָה׃
David in Hebrew
David is written דוד in Hebrew (with vowel points: דָּוִד). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- דDalet
- וVav
- דDalet
Gematria value: 14 (Dalet 4 + Vav 6 + Dalet 4)
About the name
- GenderBoy
- OriginBiblical
- Meaningbeloved
- Pronunciationdah-VEED
- Hebrewדוד
- Syllables2
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, David ranked #1 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (1,842 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #1, in 10 different years, first in 2015.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 1,842 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1,832 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1,820 |
| 2021 | 1 | 1,818 |
| 2020 | 1 | 1,707 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1,618 |
| 2018 | 1 | 1,585 |
| 2017 | 1 | 1,516 |
| 2016 | 1 | 1,590 |
| 2015 | 1 | 1,514 |
| 2014 | 3 | 1,568 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about David
What does the name David mean?
David means beloved or dear friend, from the Hebrew word dod. It is the name of King David, the shepherd from Bethlehem who became king of Israel and who, according to tradition, composed the Psalms.
How do you pronounce David?
David is pronounced dah-VEED in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write David in Hebrew?
David is written דוד in Hebrew (with vowel points: דָּוִד).
Is David a biblical name?
Yes. David appears in the Hebrew Bible, in 1 Samuel 16:13.
How popular is the name David in Israel?
In 2024, David ranked #1 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (1,842 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #1, in 10 different years, first in 2015. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of David?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling דוד adds up to 14 (Dalet 4 + Vav 6 + Dalet 4).
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This name in Hebrew: דוד
