דָּוִד
David / David
“Beloved”
David (דָּוִד, David) is a Hebrew boy's name meaning “beloved,” pronounced “da-VID.” Ancient Hebrew, attested from the Iron Age. The name appears in the Mesha Stele (9th century BCE), one of the earliest extra-biblical references to the House of David.
| Hebrew | דָּוִד |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | David |
| English Name | David |
| Meaning | Beloved |
| Pronunciation | da-VID |
| Gender | Boy |
| Category | Male Biblical Names |
| Variants | Davide, Daveed, Dawid, Daud, Davyd, Dovid |
| Key Scripture | 1 Samuel 16:12-13 |
No name in the Hebrew Bible carries quite the same weight as David. The shepherd boy from Bethlehem who slew Goliath, unified Israel, and penned some of the most beautiful poetry ever written — his name literally means 'beloved,' and it became synonymous with God's own heart. When Scripture calls David 'a man after God's own heart' (1 Samuel 13:14), it transforms a simple name into a theological statement about what it means to be chosen by the Almighty.
Key Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:12-13
“So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, 'Rise and anoint him; this is the one.'”
What Does David Mean in Hebrew?
From the root ד-ו-ד (dalet-vav-dalet) meaning 'beloved' or 'uncle.' The root carries connotations of deep affection and familial love. In Song of Solomon, the word 'dod' (דּוֹד) is used for 'beloved/lover.'
David in the Bible
David is the central figure of the Hebrew monarchy, the youngest son of Jesse chosen by God over his older brothers. He killed Goliath, became king of a united Israel, conquered Jerusalem, and established a dynasty through which the Messiah would come. He authored roughly half the Psalms and is mentioned over 1,000 times in Scripture.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The Star of David (Magen David) is the most recognizable symbol of Judaism and appears on the flag of Israel. The name David bridges Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions — he is Dawud in the Quran, also recognized as a prophet and king.
David has been one of the most popular names worldwide for centuries. It consistently ranks in the top 30 boys' names in the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel. In Israel, 'David' remains a staple name across secular and religious communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About David
What does David mean in Hebrew?
David (דָּוִד, David) means “Beloved” in Hebrew. Ancient Hebrew, attested from the Iron Age. The name appears in the Mesha Stele (9th century BCE), one of the earliest extra-biblical references to the House of David.
How do you pronounce David in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of David is “da-VID.” The name is written דָּוִד in Hebrew script.
What does the name David mean in Hebrew?
David (דָּוִד) means 'beloved' in Hebrew. It comes from the root ד-ו-ד (dalet-vav-dalet), which conveys deep affection and love. The same root appears in Song of Solomon where 'dod' means 'beloved one' or 'lover,' giving the name profound romantic and theological overtones.
Why is David considered the greatest king of Israel?
David united the northern and southern tribes of Israel, conquered Jerusalem and made it the capital, brought the Ark of the Covenant to the city, and established a dynasty that God promised would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:16). Despite his failures, Scripture uniquely calls him 'a man after God's own heart.'
Is David a popular name today?
Yes, David remains one of the most enduringly popular names worldwide. It consistently appears in the top 30 boys' names across English-speaking countries and is extremely common in Israel. Its cross-cultural appeal spans Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
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