Contents [hide]

Davies History Etymology Spelling Variations World Ranking

United States Canada Australia New Zealand West Indies

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Suggested Reading Sources

Davies Surname History

Origins Available:
Israel
Wales
Scotland

Etymology of Davies

What does the name Davies mean?

The surname Davies is a patronymic formed from the Hebraic, given name David. David was perhaps the greatest of the early kings of Israel, whose life and deeds are contained in the First Book of Samuel. This given name was also adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages and patronymic surnames rooting from David were created in Wales, Scotland, England, France, Portugal and Czech lands. The version 'Davis' was an English language creation, which means 'son of David,' but many Jews in English speaking lands have assumed this form of the name.

Accordingly, Jewish surnames are found all over the world. Although the ancient homeland of the Jewish people is Palestine, the Jews were expelled from this region after it was conquered by the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC.

Furthermore, Jews who lived in the western side of the Empire spoke Latin, and the Jews living in Palestine, Syria, and Mesopotamia all were commonly known with Aramaic names. 1

Davies Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: David, Davis, Davies, Davida, Davidai, Davidy, Davidman, Dawid, Dawidman and many more.

Davies World Ranking

the United States, the name Davies is the 1,092^nd most popular surname with an estimated 27,357 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name Davies is ranked the 199^th most popular surname with an estimated 18,943 people with that name. 3 And in Australia, the name Davies is the 58^th popular surname with an estimated 36,804 people with that name. 4 New Zealand ranks Davies as 55^th with 5,186 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Davies as 5^th with 226,933 people. 6 South Africa ranks Davies as 913^rd with 7,634 people. 7

Davies migration to the United States +

Davies Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Edward Davies, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 9
Elizabeth Davies, who landed in Virginia in 1622 9
Margaret Davies, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 9
Samuell Davies, aged 18, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 aboard the ship "Southampton" 9
Walter Davies, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Davies Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

William Davies, who landed in Virginia in 1705 9
Mary Davies, who landed in Virginia in 1719 9
Thomas Davies, who landed in New England in 1761 9
Henry Davies, who landed in America in 1764 9
David Davies, who landed in Mississippi in 1799 9

Davies Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Thomas Davies, who arrived in Somerset County, Pennsylvania in 1803 9
Rowland Davies, who landed in New York in 1821 9
John Mayer Davies, who arrived in New York in 1822 9
Robert Davies, who landed in Indiana in 1831 9
Gwenelly Davies, aged 24, who arrived in Baltimore, Maryland in 1838 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Davies Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mr. John Davies, (b. 1869), aged 33, Cornish farmer travelling aboard the ship "St Paul" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 19th April 1902 en route to Butte, Montana, USA 10
Mr. John Davies, (b. 1879), aged 25, Cornish miner travelling aboard the ship "Philadelphia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 3rd September 1904 en route to Butte, Montana, USA 10
Mr. James Davies, (b. 1885), aged 19, Cornish blacksmith travelling aboard the ship "Philadelphia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 11th June 1904 en route to Morenci, Arizona, USA 10
Mr. Richard Davies, (b. 1884), aged 21, Cornish joiner travelling aboard the ship "Philadelphia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 18th June 1905 en route to Braddock, Pennsylvania, USA 10
Mr. Alfred James Davies, (b. 1876), aged 29, Cornish stone cutter travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 9th May 1905 en route to Boston, Massachusetts, USA 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Davies migration to Canada +

Davies Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mr. Bejamin Davies U.E. who settled in Home District [York County], Ontario c. 1784 11
Mr. Peter Davies U.E. who settled in Eastern District [Cornwall], Ontario c. 1784 11
Mr. Walter Davies U.E., "Davis" (b. 1747) born in Herefordshire, England from Litchfield, Connecticut, USA who settled in South Crosby Township, Leeds County, Upper Canada, Ontario c. 1784 land petitions started in 1797 he served as part of the Queen's American Rangers 11
Mr. William Davies U.E. who settled in Elizabeth Town [Elizabethtown], Leeds County, Ontario c. 1784 11

Davies Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Ann Davies, who settled in Nova Scotia in 1818
John Davies, aged 37, a carpenter, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Branches" from London, England
Thomas Davies, aged 21, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Perseus" in 1834
John Davies, aged 36, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1838 aboard the barque "Pallas" from Cork, Ireland

Davies Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

William Davies, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907
E E Davies, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Davies migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet

Mr. Thomas Davies, (1755 - 1790), aged 39, British settler convicted in Bristol, Somerset, England in 1788, sentenced to Life for theft, transported aboard the ship "Neptune" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790, may have died on the ship 8
Mr. William Philip Davis, (Lewis), (1768 - 1790), aged 21, British settler convicted in Bristol, Somerset, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Neptune" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790, may have died on the ship 9

Second Fleet

Miss Eleanor Davies, (Davis), (1769 - 1824), aged 21, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing clothes, transported aboard the ship "Mary Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 9
Mr. James Davies, British settler convicted in Lancashire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Atlantic" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 9
Mr. George Davies, (Davis), British settler convicted in Bedfordshire, England in 1789, sentenced to Life for breaking and entry, transported aboard the ship "Matilda" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 9
Mr. John Davies, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Albermarle" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 9

Third Fleet

Miss Sarah Davies, (b. 1760), aged 27, English settler convicted in Worcester, Worcestershire on 2nd August 1783, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Lady Penrhyn" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 9
Mr. David Davies, British seaman on the Navy support ship for the First Fleet the "HMS Sirius" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788

Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Davies Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

Mr. William Davies, English convict who was convicted in Worcester, Worcestershire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12

Davies Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Miss Mary Davies, Welsh convict who was convicted in Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Wales for 7 years, transported aboard the "Experiment" on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. Thomas Davies, British convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, the settlement was listed as abandoned and most of the convicts transported to Tasmania on the "Queen" in 1804 14
Miss Mary Davies, English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Broxbournebury" in January 1814, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. Oscar Davies, English labourer who was convicted in Chester, Cheshire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Fanny" on 25th August 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr. William Davies, English convict who was convicted in Somerset, England for life for theft, transported aboard the "Fame" on 9th October 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 17
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Davies migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Davies Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

J Davies, who landed in Waimate, New Zealand in 1824
Richard Davies, who landed in Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand in 1824
Henry Davies, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1840
Robert Davies, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1840
William Davies, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1840
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Davies migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 18

Davies Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Humfrey Davies, (b. 1612), aged 22, British settler travelling from London, UK arriving in St Christopher (St. Kitts) on 5th January 1634 9
Mr. John Davies, (b. 1609), aged 25, British settler travelling from Gravesend, UK aboard the ship "Hopewell" arriving in Barbados on 17th February 1634 9
Mr. John Davies, (b. 1617), aged 18, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Anne and Elizabeth" arriving in Barbados in 1635 19
Mr. John Davies, (b. 1616), aged 19, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Anne and Elizabeth" arriving in Barbados in 1635 19
Mr. Daniell Davies, (b. 1609), aged 26, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Peter Bonaventure" arriving in Barbados and St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 19
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Davies (post 1700) +

Samuel Davies (1723-1761), American preacher who led the Great Awakening revival in Virginia
Brigadier-General John Hubert Davies (1903-1976), American Deputy Commanding General Alaskan Air Command (1955) 20
Brigadier-General Isaiah Davies (1890-1976), American Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Air Forces Training Command 21
John Paton Davies Jr. (1908-1999), American diplomat and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Matt Davies (b. 1966), American (English born) editorial cartoonist awarded the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning
Clarence E. Davies, American fighter pilot and flying ace in the U.S. Navy, during World War II, credited with 5 aerial victories
D. O. Davies, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Pennsylvania, 1972 22
Chase M. Davies, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Ohio, 1940 23
Charles Davies, American politician, Delegate to Whig National Convention from Connecticut, 1839 23
... (Another 147 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Davies family +

Air New Zealand Flight 901

Ms. June Davies (1932-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Australia aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 23
Mr. John Davies, British Barman from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 24
Mr. John Davies, British Trimmer from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 25
Mrs. Eliza Ethel Davies (1889-1914), née Gough Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 25
Mr. Thomas William Davies (1888-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who survived the sinking on the Empress of Ireland 26
... (Another 76 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sources +

Weiss, Nelly. The Origin of Jewish family names: Morphology and History. Peter Lang AG, 2002. Digital
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
"Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel-and-experiment
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/calcutta
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/broxbournebury
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's. Retrieved 23rd September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, January 10) John Davies. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Davies/John_Hubert/USA.html
Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, January 10) Isaiah Davies. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Davies/Isaiah/USA.html
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 4) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html