Daw: a male name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yàdad > Dâvid / Dâvı̂yd > Dāwīḏ,” meaning “beloved, loved by God".It derives from the Hebrew word "yàdad > dâvid / dâvı̂yd > DĀWĪḎ".
Parents seeking a meaningful masculine name often discover Daw, drawn to its Hebrew heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yàdad > Dâvid / Dâvı̂yd > Dāwīḏ,” meaning “beloved, loved by God". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Daw
Quick facts about Daw
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Hebrew “Yàdad > Dâvid / Dâvı̂yd > Dāwīḏ,” meaning “beloved, loved by God.” David (~1040–970 BC), son of Jesse, was the second king of Israel during the first half of the 10th century BC. His occurrences, dating back to the Jewish era, are told in the first and second book of Samuel, in the first book of Kings, and the first book of Chronicles. David’s life is of particular importance in the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Judaism, David was a member of Judah’s tribe, the king of Israel, and the Messiah’s descendant. Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant; ~500–589) was a Christian monk and Welsh bishop, venerated as a saint by both the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of Wales.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
yàdad > dâvid / dâvı̂yd > DĀWĪḎ
How to Pronounce Daw
Daw is pronounced /dɔː/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Daw
Say it like: "DAW"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Daw is predominantly used in english speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
english
Name Relationships
Daw is an affectionate diminutive of David, commonly used in english speaking regions. This shortened form maintains the original meaning while offering a more intimate, familiar tone.
Daw means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yàdad > Dâvid / Dâvı̂yd > Dāwīḏ,” meaning “beloved, loved by God.” David (~1040–970 BC), son of Jesse, was the second king of Israel during the first half of the 10th century BC. His occurrences, dating back to the Jewish era, are told in the first and second book of Samuel, in the first book of Kings, and the first book of Chronicles. David’s life is of particular importance in the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Judaism, David was a member of Judah’s tribe, the king of Israel, and the Messiah’s descendant. Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant; ~500–589) was a Christian monk and Welsh bishop, venerated as a saint by both the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of Wales.". The name comes from yàdad > dâvid / dâvı̂yd > DĀWĪḎ. In its original form, the name derives from Dâvid (דָּוִיד). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Daw for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yàdad > Dâvid / Dâvı̂yd > Dāwīḏ,” meaning “beloved, loved by God.” David (~1040–970 BC), son of Jesse, was the second king of Israel during the first half of the 10th century BC. His occurrences, dating back to the Jewish era, are told in the first and second book of Samuel, in the first book of Kings, and the first book of Chronicles. David’s life is of particular importance in the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Judaism, David was a member of Judah’s tribe, the king of Israel, and the Messiah’s descendant. Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant; ~500–589) was a Christian monk and Welsh bishop, venerated as a saint by both the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of Wales." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Daw's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Daw?
Daw is a hebrew name. The name traces back to yàdad > dâvid / dâvı̂yd > DĀWĪḎ. The original form Dâvid (דָּוִיד) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to english naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yàdad > Dâvid / Dâvı̂yd > Dāwīḏ,” meaning “beloved, loved by God.” David (~1040–970 BC), son of Jesse, was the second king of Israel during the first half of the 10th century BC. His occurrences, dating back to the Jewish era, are told in the first and second book of Samuel, in the first book of Kings, and the first book of Chronicles. David’s life is of particular importance in the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Judaism, David was a member of Judah’s tribe, the king of Israel, and the Messiah’s descendant. Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant; ~500–589) was a Christian monk and Welsh bishop, venerated as a saint by both the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of Wales." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Daw a boy or girl name?
Daw is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In hebrew tradition, Daw has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yàdad > Dâvid / Dâvı̂yd > Dāwīḏ,” meaning “beloved, loved by God.” David (~1040–970 BC), son of Jesse, was the second king of Israel during the first half of the 10th century BC. His occurrences, dating back to the Jewish era, are told in the first and second book of Samuel, in the first book of Kings, and the first book of Chronicles. David’s life is of particular importance in the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Judaism, David was a member of Judah’s tribe, the king of Israel, and the Messiah’s descendant. Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant; ~500–589) was a Christian monk and Welsh bishop, venerated as a saint by both the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of Wales." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Daw?
Daw is pronounced "/dɔː/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Daw is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Daw can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. This pronunciation has been verified and represents the standard way to say the name. The name's root yàdad > dâvid / dâvı̂yd > DĀWĪḎ influences how Daw sounds in its original language.
What are common nicknames for Daw?
Daw is commonly used as a nickname for David. As a diminutive of David, Daw started as an affectionate short form used by family and close friends. Many people named David go by Daw throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In hebrew cultures, using Daw as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among boys and men, though some now use Daw as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Daw on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Daw?
Daw is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Daw offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Daw's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yàdad > Dâvid / Dâvı̂yd > Dāwīḏ,” meaning “beloved, loved by God.” David (~1040–970 BC), son of Jesse, was the second king of Israel during the first half of the 10th century BC. His occurrences, dating back to the Jewish era, are told in the first and second book of Samuel, in the first book of Kings, and the first book of Chronicles. David’s life is of particular importance in the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Judaism, David was a member of Judah’s tribe, the king of Israel, and the Messiah’s descendant. Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant; ~500–589) was a Christian monk and Welsh bishop, venerated as a saint by both the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of Wales." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Daw holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Daw commonly used?
Daw is used primarily in english naming traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Daw found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yàdad > Dâvid / Dâvı̂yd > Dāwīḏ,” meaning “beloved, loved by God.” David (~1040–970 BC), son of Jesse, was the second king of Israel during the first half of the 10th century BC. His occurrences, dating back to the Jewish era, are told in the first and second book of Samuel, in the first book of Kings, and the first book of Chronicles. David’s life is of particular importance in the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Judaism, David was a member of Judah’s tribe, the king of Israel, and the Messiah’s descendant. Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant; ~500–589) was a Christian monk and Welsh bishop, venerated as a saint by both the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of Wales." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Daw into their naming traditions. A child named Daw will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Daw is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Daw?
Daw carries associations with BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yàdad > Dâvid / Dâvı̂yd > Dāwīḏ,” meaning “beloved, loved by God.” David (~1040–970 BC), son of Jesse, was the second king of Israel during the first half of the 10th century BC. His occurrences, dating back to the Jewish era, are told in the first and second book of Samuel, in the first book of Kings, and the first book of Chronicles. David’s life is of particular importance in the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Judaism, David was a member of Judah’s tribe, the king of Israel, and the Messiah’s descendant. Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant; ~500–589) was a Christian monk and Welsh bishop, venerated as a saint by both the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of Wales." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Daw originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Daw sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Daw often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.