Name Directory by Last Name: Last Names Starting with Da

The surname Davis has its historical roots in the patronymic tradition, deriving from the given name David, which itself has Hebrew origins meaning "beloved." The surname first appeared in England during the medieval period, particularly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when the use of surnames became more common. As a patronymic surname, Davis indicates "son of David," and it was often associated with individuals who held significant social roles, such as landowners or clergy.

The surname Davies has its historical roots in Wales, deriving from the given name David, which itself comes from the Hebrew name "Dawid," meaning "beloved." The surname first appeared in written records in the 13th century, with its usage becoming more widespread in the following centuries. As a patronymic surname, Davies signifies "son of David," reflecting the common practice in Welsh culture of forming surnames based on the father's name.

The surname Day has its historical roots in the Old English word "dæg," meaning "day" or "daylight." It first appeared in England during the medieval period, with records dating back to the 13th century. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone born during the day or as a reference to a person’s character, possibly denoting brightness or cheerfulness.

The surname Davidson has its historical roots in Scotland, deriving from the given name "David," which itself comes from the Hebrew name "Dawid," meaning "beloved." The name became popular in medieval Scotland, particularly after the reign of King David I in the 12th century, who was instrumental in the development of the Scottish church and the feudal system. The surname Davidson is often associated with the clan system in Scotland, where it was used to denote "son of David," reflecting a patronymic tradition.

The surname Dawson has its historical roots in England, deriving from the medieval given name "Daw," which itself is a diminutive of David. The name David has Hebrew origins, meaning "beloved," and was popularized in Christian contexts due to its biblical associations.

The surname Daniels has its historical roots in the Hebrew name "Daniel," which means "God is my judge." It first appeared in England during the medieval period, particularly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many Hebrew names were adopted by English speakers. The surname likely developed as a patronymic, indicating "son of Daniel," and was associated with individuals who held various occupations, including clerical roles, as the name was often linked to those in religious or scholarly positions.

The surname David has deep historical roots, tracing back to the Hebrew name "Dawid," which means "beloved." It is most famously associated with the biblical King David, a central figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, who ruled over Israel around 1000 BCE. The name gained prominence in medieval Europe, particularly among Jewish communities, where it symbolized a connection to heritage and faith.

The surname Daniel has deep historical roots, tracing back to the Hebrew name "Daniyyel," which means "God is my judge." It first appeared in biblical texts, notably in the Book of Daniel, where the character is known for his wisdom and prophetic abilities. Over time, the name evolved into various forms across different cultures, particularly in Europe, where it became popularized during the Middle Ages.

The surname Davenport has its historical roots in England, specifically deriving from the Old English elements "dæge," meaning "day," and "port," meaning "a harbor or town." The name is believed to have originated from the village of Davenport in Cheshire, where it first appeared in records during the 13th century. Over time, the surname became associated with various occupations, particularly those linked to trade and commerce, as ports were vital for economic activity.

The surname Daly has its roots in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "Ó Dálaigh," which means "descendant of Dálach." The name Dálach itself is believed to be derived from the word "dál," meaning "assembly" or "meeting," suggesting a historical connection to a group or community. The surname first appeared in historical records in the 12th century, particularly in the province of Connacht, where the Ó Dálaigh family was known as poets and historians.

The surname Dalton has its roots in England, deriving from the Old English elements "dæl," meaning "valley," and "tun," meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." This suggests that the name originally referred to someone who lived in or near a valley settlement. The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the 12th century, with variations appearing in historical documents, such as "Daleton" and "Daltone." Over time, the surname became associated with various occupations, particularly in agriculture, as many bearers of the name were likely involved in farming or land management in the fertile valleys of England.

The surname Dale has its origins in the Old English word "dael," meaning "valley." It first appeared in England during the early medieval period, particularly in regions characterized by valleys and low-lying areas. The name was often used to denote individuals who lived near or in a dale, reflecting the geographical features of their surroundings.

The surname Davison has its historical roots in England, deriving from the medieval given name "David," which itself comes from the Hebrew name "Dawid," meaning "beloved." The suffix "-son" indicates "son of," thus Davison essentially means "son of David." The surname first appeared in written records in the 13th century, particularly in the northern regions of England, where patronymic naming conventions were common. Over time, individuals bearing the surname often engaged in various occupations, including farming and trades, reflecting the agrarian society of medieval England.

The surname Da Silva has its roots in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Portugal and Spain, where it first appeared in the medieval period. The name is derived from the Latin word "silva," meaning "forest" or "wood," and was often used to denote someone who lived near or worked in a forested area.

The surname Darling has its roots in the Old English term "deorling," which translates to "darling" or "beloved." This term was often used as a term of endearment, suggesting that the name may have originally been a nickname for someone who was cherished or held in high regard. The surname first appeared in written records in England during the medieval period, with its earliest instances found in the 13th century.

The surname Daley has its roots in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "Ó Dálaigh," which means "descendant of Dálach." The name Dálach itself is believed to be derived from the word "dál," meaning "assembly" or "meeting," suggesting a historical connection to a group or community. The Daley surname first appeared in the 11th century, primarily in the province of Munster, where it was associated with the ancient Gaelic nobility.

The surname Dahl has its roots in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Sweden, where it is derived from the Old Norse word "dalr," meaning "valley." This geographical connection suggests that the name was originally used to describe individuals who lived in or near a valley, reflecting the topography of the region. The surname began to appear in written records as early as the Middle Ages, with its bearers often associated with agrarian lifestyles, as valleys were typically fertile areas suitable for farming.

The surname Daugherty has its historical roots primarily in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "O'Dochartaigh," which means "descendant of Dochartaigh." The name Dochartaigh is believed to be derived from the word "dochartach," meaning "hurtful" or "obstructive," suggesting that the original bearers of the name may have been known for their strong or combative nature. The Daugherty family is historically associated with County Donegal, where they were part of the Gaelic nobility.

The surname Davey has its historical roots in the medieval period, primarily deriving from the given name "David," which itself has Hebrew origins meaning "beloved." The surname first appeared in England and Wales, with records dating back to the 13th century. As a patronymic surname, it often indicated lineage, meaning "son of David." Over time, the name became associated with various occupations, particularly in agriculture and trade, as many bearers of the surname were involved in farming or local commerce.

The surname Dailey has its historical roots primarily in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "O'Dubhghaill," which means "descendant of Dubhghall." The name Dubhghall itself translates to "dark foreigner," a term that was historically used to describe Norse settlers in Ireland. The Dailey surname first appeared in historical records in the 12th century, particularly in the province of Munster.