DAVIDSON
Davidson
Davidson is a common British surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from the given name David, which traces its roots to the Hebrew name meaning "beloved." The name became popular in Scotland due to the influence of King David I of Scotland in the 12th century.
Origins
The Davidson surname is an example of a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally based on the first name of an ancestor. In this case, individuals who were known as the son of David would have adopted the surname Davidson. Over time, the surname became hereditary and passed down from one generation to the next.
Distribution
The Davidson surname is widely found in Scotland, particularly in regions with strong historical ties to the name such as Aberdeenshire and the Scottish Highlands. The surname has also spread to other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, through Scottish migration.
Notable Individuals
- Donald Davidson (1917–2003) – Scottish philosopher and author known for his work in philosophy of mind and epistemology.
- Thomas Davidson (1870–1959) – British painter known for his landscape and portrait paintings.
- Ian Davidson (b. 1950) – British politician and former Member of Parliament, representing Glasgow South West.
Variants
Variants of the Davidson surname include Davies, Davison, and Davidsen. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects or spelling variations over time.
References
- Ancestry.com
- Scotland's People
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (2008). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
This entry provides a brief overview of the Davidson surname, including its origins, distribution, notable individuals with the surname, and common variants.
There are approximately 45,271 people named Davidson in the UK. That makes it the 155th most common surname in Britain. Around 695 in a million people in Britain are named Davidson.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.