Dāwūd: 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".
In Hebrew tradition, Dāwūd holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Hebrew “Yàdad > Dâvid / Dâvı̂yd > Dāwīḏ,” meaning “beloved, loved by God. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Hebrew culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Dāwūd
Quick facts about Dāwūd
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
Other Scripts
Arabic (داود)
How to Pronounce Dāwūd
Dāwūd is pronounced /ˈdɑːwuːd/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Dāw-ūd
Say it like: "DAHWOOD"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Dāwūd is predominantly used in arabic speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
arabic
Name Relationships
Dāwūd is a variant form of David, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Dāwūd 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 Dāwūd 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, Dāwūd'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 Dāwūd?
Dāwūd 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. In its native script, Dāwūd is written as Arabic (داود). The name remains closely tied to arabic 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. Dāwūd developed as a form of David, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Dāwūd a boy or girl name?
Dāwūd 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, Dāwūd 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 Dāwūd?
Dāwūd is pronounced "/ˈdɑːwuːd/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Arabic (داود), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Dāwūd is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Dāwūd can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root yàdad > dâvid / dâvı̂yd > DĀWĪḎ influences how Dāwūd sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Dāwūd?
Dāwūd is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Dāwūd offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Dāwūd'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, Dāwūd holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Dāwūd?
Dāwūd is a form of David. Over time, David developed into several variations, with Dāwūd emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In hebrew tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve 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.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Dāwūd might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In arabic, Dāwūd may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Dāwūd commonly used?
Dāwūd is used primarily in arabic naming traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Dāwūd 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 Dāwūd into their naming traditions. A child named Dāwūd 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, Dāwūd is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Dāwūd?
Dāwūd 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 Dāwūd 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 Dāwūd sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Dāwūd often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In arabic 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.