National David Day is held on September 8 each year to celebrate people bearing the name David. The popular masculine name has Biblical Hebrew origins, and its fame stems from King David, a key figure in the Hebrew Bible and Christian, Judaic, and Islamic religious faiths. David is an influential figure who appears in the ‘Old Testament’ as Israel’s second king. As a child shepherd, David overcame the huge Philistine, Goliath, with a slingshot. The Star of David is the symbol of Judaism; hence, the name has special significance in Jewish culture.
History of National David Day
David is a Hebrew name derived from the Hebrew word ‘dod,’ which means ‘beloved’ or ‘uncle.’ Since the Middle Ages, this name has been used in the United Kingdom and has since spread to become one of the most common names in the world. The name has variations in different countries, each with a distinct significance.The name is quite popular in Wales and is used to honor Dewi, the patron saint of Wales. It is also widely used in Scotland. It has been among the most popular names in the English-speaking world for almost a century, peaking at number one in Wales and England in the 1950s and 1960s. During the 1970s and 1980s, it was the most popular boy’s name in Spain.The American musician David Bowie, David Hume, and the famous explorer David Livingstone are all famous bearers of the name. David Copperfield is also the name of the protagonist in Charles Dickens’ 1850 semi-autobiographical novel.For nearly a century, David has been a popular name in the United States. Since 1880, when the Social Security Administration began collecting data, David has been in the top 35 names. The popularity of the name David steadily grew until it became the most common boy’s name in America in 1960. It remained among the 10 most popular names for boys for the next few decades.It dropped out of the top 10 in 1993, and its popularity continued to dwindle. According to the most recent data from 2020, the name David is presently rated number 28.
National David Day timeline
From 1000 B.C. to 901 B.C., David rules Israel, becoming one of its greatest rulers during his time on the throne.
The name David enters the top 35 list for boy names.
David becomes the most popular boy name in the United States.
The name’s popularity declines, and it soon drops out of the top 10 names in the U.S.
National David Day FAQs
When was David a popular name?
David’s popularity peaked in January 2016 over the previous five years. David has been a popular name since the Middle Ages. Along with its comparable counterpart, Daniel, it has become one of the most popular names in the world.
Is David an old-fashioned name?
David, like Matthew, Michael, and Daniel — names that have been popular for decades — never sounds out of date or overused.
Was David a decent ruler in the Bible?
David was a powerful king, perhaps the greatest in Israel’s history — despite his sometimes questionable actions. His greatness is portrayed in his victory over Goliath, his fervent love of God, and his vulnerability.
National David Day Activities
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Celebrate Davids
Celebrate the Davids in your life today. Give them a gift, take them out to lunch or a movie, or simply make them feel special.
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Use the name
On the off chance that you get the opportunity to name a newborn or even a pet, why not go with David? They might just go on to do great things like their forebears.
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Learn more about the name
Put your research skills to use and find out all you can about the name. Learn all about the different nicknames for Davids in different countries and adaptations in popular culture.
5 Interesting Facts About The Name David
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The David period
Over 3,000 newborns were named David between the 1950s and 1960s.
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Dave
The oldest and most common nickname for David in English-speaking countries is Dave.
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Davo
Davo” is a nickname for David, commonly used in Australia and Armenia.
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Female variations
Some female variations of David are Davetta, Daveigh, Davina, and Davida.
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One in 28
Over 10,905,563, an equivalent of one in 28, Americans bear the name David.
Why We Love National David Day
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This day celebrates all the famous Davids
It’s fair to say that the name has seen its fair share of famous bearers. David Copperfield, David Letterman, David Hasselhoff, David Bowie, David Cameron, David Beckham, and David Attenborough are some fine examples.
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We get to know more about the name
We get to learn so much more about the name today. From its origins to its true meaning, this observance allows us to go beyond the surface to make exciting discoveries.
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We are celebrating all the Davids out there
Do you know someone named David? Odds are, you do. This is a great opportunity to celebrate and give them something nice for their special day.
National David Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 8 | Friday |
| 2024 | September 8 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 8 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 8 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 8 | Wednesday |
