Davina peaked in 2022 with 11,012 total SSA bearers and holds rank 647. This is a name that had its main moment recently, which means it's still at the height of its modern identity — and that modern identity is built on a distinctive combination of Hebrew roots, Scottish tradition, and contemporary appeal.
The Hebrew David in Feminine Form
Davina is the feminine form of David, from the Hebrew Dawid — meaning "beloved." David is one of the most historically significant names in Western tradition, carried by a biblical king, a Renaissance sculptor's subject, and generations of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim men. Davina translates that etymology into a specifically feminine form: beloved, but in a more unusual, less familiar package. The -ina suffix is a common feminine construction in multiple European languages.
The Scottish Connection
Davina has particular strength in Scotland, where it's been used as a female form of David for centuries. The most prominent contemporary Scottish Davina is television presenter Davina McCall — British, warm, known for presenting Big Brother and various health-focused programming. Her profile has kept the name visible in British media, which filters into American naming consciousness through pop culture and the international Scottish diaspora. For families with Scottish heritage, Davina is a natural choice that honors the tradition without defaulting to the standard David.
A Name with Multiple Entry Points
What makes Davina interesting is that different families arrive at it through different routes: the Hebrew "beloved" meaning, the Scottish naming tradition, the contemporary British cultural reference, or simply the sound. That multiplicity of entry points gives the name more stability than names that depend on a single cultural association. Nickname Vina (or the British diminutive Dav-vy) expands the daily options further.