About the family name

Definition: Son of David (beloved).

Surname Origin: English, Welsh.

Alternate Surname Spellings: DAVIES (Welsh), DAVID, DAVIDSON, DAVISON.

Until the 11th Century, people were known generally by their first names only. The Normans introduced the use of surnames to theses shores. These were usually a local place or landmark; denoted a relationship; a trade or profession name, or a nickname.

The Davis family name is recorded as far back as 1327, with a John Dauisse living in Cambridgeshire; a Richard Davys lived in Yorkshire in 1402. Legend has it that they were descended from Cynrig Efell, Lord of Eglwysegle, great grandson of the Prince of Powys who was head of the third Royal Tribe of Wales.

The ancient motto was HEB DDUW, HEB DDIM, DUW A DIGON, meaning "Without God, without anything, God is enough".

If you ever get transported back 3,000 years and happen to be in the Egypt region and need to write the Davis surname in Hieroglyphics, then have no fear its displayed underneath: