Meaning & Origin of the DAVIS Surname
Davis is a Welsh surname, and the family is among the most numerous in England and Wales. This is due to the fact that there are so many variations of the name. The original name was David, spelled Dayfdd in Welsh -- which signifies well-beloved -- popular in Biblical days and a favorite among Scottish kings. Though of ancient standing in Wales, David scarcely appears in England before the Conquest. Popular current belief is that it is the shortened form
of Davidson or "son of David".
Modified in various forms, it has produced many family names such as Davis, Davidson, Davies, Daves, Dawson, Dawes, Day, Dakin, and others. The Irish form is McDaid; the French, Devis.
For several centuries the Davis clans lived mainly in Wales, and some in Northern Ireland, the present-day counties on the island of Ireland, which comprise Ulster. Most of the people of Great Britain, that is England, Scotland, Wales, and Ulster, and likewise the Davises, were and are of the Protestant faith.
The Davises who came from the British Isles to America continued in the faith of their fathers, for the most part, though their descendants in this country today will be found in the memberships of practically all the various Protestant churches. The original Davis immigrants, and their families, in the main were ardent followers of the Church of England, with their descendants becoming members and ministers of Methodist, Methodist-Episcopal, Baptist, Presbyterian, Congregational, and Episcopal churches. A small percentage did convert to the Quaker and Roman Catholic faiths, however. And, there are some with the name who are of the Jewish faith.
The Battle Hymn of the Davises
Sung to the tune of "Battle Hymn of the Republic"
The Davises are sons of Davis, with a lofty aim.
A favorite with Scottish Kings, there's music in the name.
In righteous causes Davis spirits rise to fervent flame.
The clan goes marching on!
Chorus: Glory to the name of Davis!
Glory to the tribe of Davis!
"Vir-Tu-te du-ce co-mi-te
For-tu-na" -- Davis wins!
The ancient sires of Davis Family lived and died in Wales.
Where English tongue is spoken now the Davis name prevails.
How could the nations but advance when Davis never fails!
The clan goes marching on!
Thomas, Samuel, John and James were fathers of our clan.
Benja-min had nine stalwart sons, each was a handsome man.
"Ben Davis" is the apple, good from tree or from a can.
The clan goes marching on!
The Davis Clan is mighty -- over half a million strong;
In seventy-six three thousand kinsmen fought to right a wrong.
Thirty towns bear Davis names. Sure, let us sing that song--
The clan goes marching on!
"I have not a minute man who is afraid to go,"
At Concord Bridge, said Captain Isaac, with his heart aglow.
He gave his life at the first shot from muskets of the foe.
The clan goes marching on!
Jeff Davis was a statesman -- the hero of Dixie-land;
The South made him their President, and Davis took his stand.
Though cause he lost we lead or follow as we understand.
The clan goes marching on!
The Davis sons have courage any enemy to face;
The Davis girls are lovely with their beauty, charm and grace;
The Davis leaven is a blessing to the human race.
The clan goes marching on!
If you claim the name of Davis, help the Davis song to sing;
With Davis blood and motto you can win at anything;
Family pride and "valor" surely will "good fortune" bring.
The clan goes marching on!
Reprinted without comment -- author: unknown. Taken from Davis Family History by Ella L. Davis and J. Montgomery Seaver, American
Historical-Genealogical Society, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, c.1930.
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