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

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.

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