Surname Davidson - Meaning and Origin

Exploring the Genetic Tapestry of the Davidson Surname: Insights from my iGENEA DNA Test

My iGENEA DNA test has unveiled an intriguing perspective on the biohistoric roots of the Davidson surname, revealing its strong Scottish, old Norse, and deep Celtic connections. The Davidson lineage, which links to the ancient Scottish Clan Davidson, the Picts, and even possibly the Scottish royals, carries the echoes of extensive ancient migrations and cultural interactions.

O. Davidson

Davidson: What does the surname Davidson mean?

The surname Davidson has its origins in Scotland and means "son of David." The name David itself originates from Hebrew and translates to "beloved" or "favorite." Therefore, someone with the surname Davidson is ostensibly descended from a beloved or favorite son named David. The name was traditionally given to a male child as a patronymic surname, signifying a familial relationship to a father or male ancestor named David. Over time it became a fixed family surname passed down through generations. Following the trend of Scottish emigration, the surname Davidson can now be found throughout the world, while remaining particularly common in Scotland and countries with strong Scottish ancestry such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Davidson: Where does the name Davidson come from?

The surname Davidson is of Scottish origin, derived from the patronymic phrase "David's son". It traces back to the period of King David I in the twelfth-century Scotland. The Clan Davidson, one of the major Scottish clans, popularized the name.

The name was also adopted by Jewish people who migrated to Scotland, because it referenced King David of Israel. During periods of migration and colonization, the name spread to other parts of the British Isles, and subsequently carried by settlers to America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

As of today, the last name Davidson is common in English-speaking countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. It is particularly prevalent in Scotland, given its origins, and also has a significant presence in the Jewish community in the UK and the United States.

Variations of the surname Davidson

The surname Davidson, primarily of Scottish origin, has several variants and alternate spellings. It is derived from the given name David, which means "beloved," and the suffix "-son," implying "son of David."

Variants and alternate spellings of Davidson include Davison, Davisson, Davids, Davyson, and Daveyson.

Furthermore, there are related international surnames carrying the same meaning such as Davidsen (Danish/Norwegian), Davidsson (Swedish), Davidsonov/Davidov (Russian), Davideson (Czech/Slovak), Dávidfi (Hungarian), and Davidyan (Armenian), all of which mean "son of David."

The name David in different cultures also provides variations, like Davis (English), Davies (Welsh), Devis, Daividh, and Dafydd (Scottish Gaelic), and Davidovitz or Davidovich (Yiddish).

It's worth mentioning that, while spellings may vary, all of these names share a common etymological origin. Davidson and its different forms have been common in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.

Famous people with the name Davidson

• Harley Davidson: Co-founder of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
• Pete Davidson: An American comedian and actor, known for his work on Saturday Night Live.
• Eileen Davidson: An American actress, author, and former model, popular for her roles in soap operas like "The Young and the Restless".
• Tommy Davidson: An American comedian, film and television actor.
• Rennie Davidson: A notable civil rights and anti-war activist.
• Jim Davidson: An English comedian and presenter.
• Avram Davidson: An American writer of fantasy, science fiction, and crime fiction.
• Jo Davidson: An American sculptor known for his portraits.
• Gordon Davidson: A significant figure in American theater, serving as the artistic director of the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles.
• Arthur Davidson: Co-founder of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
• Jaye Davidson: A semi-retired British actor and model known for his roles in films like "The Crying Game".
• Justin Davidson: An American journalist and architecture critic.
• Randall Davidson: A prominent clergyman of the Church of Scotland who served as Archbishop of Canterbury.
• Jenny Davidson: An American novelist and English literature professor.
• Michael Davidson: A renowned British documentary filmmaker.

Other surnames

DavidsDavidsenDavidsmeierDavidsmeyerDavidsohnDavidsson