Surname Davies - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA DNA Test Review: An Enlightening Journey into My Surname 'Davies'

Embarking on a genetic journey through the iGENEA DNA test, I dived into the mysteries surrounding my surname - Davies. Experiencing unexpected connections and shedding light on lost aspects of my heritage, it has been a profound, enlightening journey.

T. Davies

Davies: What does the surname Davies mean?

The surname Davies is of Welsh origin and it means "son of David." The given name David derives from the Hebrew name "Dawid," which means "beloved." During the Middle Ages, it became a common practice in Britain to use an individual's father's name as their surname, often with an "'s" added to show possession, suggesting a meaning of "son of." Hence, Davies came to be used as a surname. While its Welsh origin implies a strong historical presence in Wales, this surname is also found in England and other parts of the United Kingdom. It's important to note that Davies is different from the surname Davis, which is more common in England and originated from the same root. Despite these origins, Davies is now a common last name around the world due to migration and the passage of time. The surname Davies is associated with individuals from various walks of life, including the field of politics, arts, sports, and more.

Davies: Where does the name Davies come from?

The surname Davies is of Welsh origin and is a patronymic derivative of the first name David, meaning "son of David". Its roots can be traced back to the Middle Ages when Welsh people began to adopt surnames. It became particularly prevalent following the popularity of the 14th-century Welsh Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. As it is common with patronymic surnames, it used to change with every generation as it depicted the immediate patriarch– i.e., "David's son" would be named Davies.

Today, due to the diasporas and migration over the centuries, the surname Davies is not only common in Wales, but also in other parts of the UK, as well as many English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Despite these global dispersals, Wales and its border regions with England still remain the prevalent areas for this surname. It is one of the most common surnames in Wales, making up a significant proportion of the Welsh population. The name Davies today remains as a testament to the enduring influence of Welsh culture and ancestry.

Variations of the surname Davies

The surname Davies is of Welsh origin, originally derived from the Hebrew name David, which means beloved. This surname is a patronymic form, meaning "son of David" and often includes an "s" at the end, highlighting its Welsh roots. There are quite a few variations and spellings of Davies, each of them traceable to the same origin.

1. Davis: This is a common variant most often found in English-speaking countries. Despite dropping the "e", it is closely related to Davies.

2. Davidson: Yet another variant, this time including the word 'son' highlighting its meaning "son of David".

3. Dawson: While not as apparent, this surname also stems from the same root.

4. Davison: Another version that includes ‘son’ but retaining the ‘e’ from Davies.

5. Davey: This is a variant that commonly used in England.

6. Daves: Here, the "i" is dropped but it still goes back to the original Welsh name for "David's son."

7. Davy: Similarly related, this version is common in France.

8. Dafydd: This is a Welsh variant of David, so the name Dafydd's son could have been shortened to Davies in Welsh families.

As with many surnames, the regional variations, spellings and pronunciation may differ throughout the world, but each variant generally points to the same origin.

Famous people with the name Davies

• Ray Davies: Lead singer of the British rock band, The Kinks.
• Dave Davies: Guitarist and co-founder of The Kinks, brother to Ray Davies.
• Alan Davies: Well-known British stand-up comedian and actor, most recognized for his role in the TV series "Jonathan Creek".
• Peter Maxwell Davies: One of the most prominent British composers of the 20th century.
• Marion Davies: A famous American actress during the silent film era.
• Russell T Davies: Television producer and screenwriter, known for reviving the British TV show "Doctor Who".
• John Paton Davies, Jr.: American diplomat and Medal of Freedom recipient.
• Glyn Davies: An ex-footballer from Wales and a famous politician.
• Paul Davies: British physicist and science writer.
• Humphrey Davies: British award-winning translator.
• John Davies: New Zealand swim coach.
• Edward Davies: Famous Welsh poet.
• Rhys Davies: Welsh professional golfer.
• John Davies: Historian from Wales.
• Dewi Davies: Noted sheep and wildlife artist.
• Don Davies: Canadian politician.
• W. H. Davies: Welsh poet and writer.
• Sharron Davies: Retired swimmer from the UK.
• Phil Davies: Welsh rugby union coach.
• Greg Davies: British stand-up comedian and actor, known for his roles on TV shows like "The Inbetweeners" and "Taskmaster".

Other surnames

Davie