About the name Davis

Davis is a Welsh surname, and the family is among the most numerous in England and Wales. This is due to the fact that there are so many varia­tions of the name. The original name was David which signifies well-beloved—popular in Biblical days and a favorite among the Scottish kings.

Though of ancient standing in Wales, David scarcely appears in England before the Conquest. Modified in various forms, it has produced many family names such as Davis, Davidson, Davies, Daves, Dawson, Dawes, Day, Dakin, etc. The Irish form is M´Daid; the French, Devis.