Show ContentsDavidson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Davidson

What does the name Davidson mean?

The history of the Davidson family begins among the Pictish clans ancient Scotland. The name Davidson comes from the personal name David. Davidson is a patronymic surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. This surname comes from the religious naming tradition, and was adopted from the popular biblical surname, David, which means beloved. This surname is believed to date as far back as the 15th century, BC, and to have come to Scotland from Brittany, with the Picts. The first Chief of the Clan Davidson, David Dubh, was of Pictish descent. He was the fourth son of the chief of Clan Chattan, of which the Davidsons became a part.

Early Origins of the Davidson family

The surname Davidson was first found in Perth, where, in 1219, Johnannes filius Davidis, a merchant in Perth, is mentioned. Some accounts suggest that around 1000 AD the Catti (Chattan) Clan, from whom the Davidson Clan descends, broke into two distinct factions, the MacKintosh and the MacPherson Clans.

The Davidson Clan was part of the MacPherson element, but always considered itself to be the senior Clan of the Chattan group. Records from the Ragman Rolls show Adami fiz Dauid of Forfarshire and Johan le fiz David of Berwickshire rendering homage to King Edward I of England in 1296.

The first estates of the Clan Davidson were at Invernahaven, a small estate in Badenoch, where they were said to be found from the mid 14th century.

Early History of the Davidson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Davidson research. Another 219 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1396, 1408, 1411, 1466, 1500, 1549, 1603, 1670 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Davidson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Davidson Spelling Variations

In the Middle ages, spelling and translation were not yet regulated by any general rules. spelling variations in names were common even among members of one family unit. Davidson has appeared Davison, Davidson, Davisint, Davisyn, Debison, Dawysone, Dawyson, Davysone, Davyson, Davitson, Dawysown, Davisoun, Davisend, Davidsone, Davidson, Daveysone, Daveyson, Dauyson, Dawysume, Dauysum and many more.

Early Notables of the Davidson family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

  • Sir Robert Davidson, Chief of the Clan Davidson, who was killed at the Battle of Harlaw, in 1411
  • John Davidson (1549?-1603), was a Scottish church leader, born about 1549 at Dunfermline in Fifeshire, where his parents owned some property in houses and lands. 1

Davidson World Ranking

In the United States, the name Davidson is the 262nd most popular surname with an estimated 101,967 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name Davidson is ranked the 148th most popular surname with an estimated 22,840 people with that name. 3 And in Australia, the name Davidson is the 161st popular surname with an estimated 18,845 people with that name. 4 New Zealand ranks Davidson as 130th with 3,577 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Davidson as 142nd with 35,740 people. 6

Migration of the Davidson family to Ireland

Some of the Davidson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Davidson migration to the United States +

Faced by this persecution and the generally unstable political climate of those days, many Scots chose to leave their homeland for Ireland, Australia, and North America in search of greater opportunity and freedom. The colonies across the Atlantic were the most popular choice, but a passage there was neither cheap nor easily suffered. Passengers arrived sick and poor, but those who made it intact often found land and more tolerant societies in which to live. These brave settlers formed the backbone of the burgeoning nations of Canada and the United States. It is only this century that the ancestors of these families have begun to recover their collective identity through the patriotic highland games and Clan societies that have sprung up throughout North America. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Davidson:

Davidson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Charles Davidson, who was sent to Virginia in 1666
  • Elizabeth Davidson, who landed in Maryland in 1667 7
  • George Davidson, who arrived in Maryland in 1675 7
  • Peter Davidson, who settled in Maryland in 1684
  • Hen Davidson, who arrived in Virginia in 1698 7
Davidson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • David Davidson, who landed in Virginia in 1703 7
  • Alexander Davidson, who arrived in Maryland in 1710
  • Owen Davidson, a prisoner sent to Yorktown, VA in 1716
  • Andrew Davidson, who landed in Maryland in 1716 7
  • William Davidson, who settled in Maryland in 1716
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Davidson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • James Davidson, who arrived in America in 1804-1805 7
  • Robert Davidson, who arrived in America in 1804-1805 7
  • Eliza Davidson, who arrived in America in 1804-1805 7
  • Eliza Davidson, aged 40, who landed in New York, NY in 1804 7
  • Eliza Davidson, aged 48, who arrived in New York, NY in 1805 7
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Davidson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Louis Davidson, who landed in Mississippi in 1903 7
  • Walter Septimus Davidson, who landed in Alabama in 1919 7
  • Archibald Davidson, who arrived in Wisconsin in 1922 7

Davidson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Davidson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Capt. Davidson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Capt Davidson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • James Davidson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Ewer Davidson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • James Davidson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1775
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Davidson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Thomas Davidson, who arrived in Canada in 1820
  • William Davidson, aged 22, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the schooner "Sarah" from Belfast, Ireland
  • Sarah Davidson, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the schooner "Sarah" from Belfast, Ireland
  • Catherine Davidson, aged 45, who landed in Quebec in 1835
  • Catherine Davidson, age 45 who arrived in Quebec in 1835
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Davidson Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • J G Davidson, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Davidson migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Davidson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. John Davidson, Scottish convict who was convicted in Aberdeen, Scotland for 14 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in December 1818, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 8
  • William Davidson, English convict from Cumberland, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on September 3rd, 1820, settling in New South Wales, Australia 9
  • Mr. Donald Davidson, Scottish convict who was convicted in Edinburgh, Scotland for life, transported aboard the "Competitor"18th March 1823, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 10
  • Mr. Josiah Davidson, British convict who was convicted in Norfolk, England for life, transported aboard the "Asia" on 29th September 1831, settling in New South Wales, Australia 11
  • Mr. John Davidson, Scottish convict who was convicted in Jedburgh, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Camden" on 21st September 1832, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Davidson 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:

Davidson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • James Davidson, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • William Davidson, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Whitby" in 1841
  • Mrs. Davidson, Australian settler travelling from Sydney with 2 children aboard the ship "Bertha" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand in 1842 13
  • Mr. William Davidson, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Slains Castle" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 1st December 1852 14
  • Mr. Davidson, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Royal Albert" arriving in Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 6th March 1853 14
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Davidson (post 1700) +

  • Jo Ann Davidson (1927-2024), American politician in Ohio
  • Paul Davidson (1930-2024), American macroeconomist who has been one of the leading spokesmen of the American branch of the post-Keynesian school in economics
  • Carol Kreeger Davidson (1929-2014), American sculptor, known for her Postminimalist style
  • Gordon Davidson (1933-2016), American stage and film director
  • Eric Harris Davidson (1937-2015), American developmental biologist at the California Institute of Technology
  • Major-General Howard Calhoun Davidson (1890-1984), American Commanding General Strategic Air Force, Eastern Air Command (1943-1945) 15
  • Lieutenant-General Garrison Holt Davidson (1904-1992), American Commanding General 1st Army (1962-1964) 16
  • Arthur Davidson (1881-1950), one of the four original founders of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company
  • Justin Davidson (b. 1966), American classical music and architecture critic awarded the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Criticism
  • John Davidson Sr. (b. 1941), American singer, actor and game show host
  • ... (Another 28 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. George Davidson, British Storekeeper from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 17
  • Mr. Gordon Charles Davidson (1885-1914), British Second Class Passenger returning from San Francisco, California, United States who survived the sinking on the Empress of Ireland 18
Fraterville mine
  • Mr. James Davidson (d. 1902), American coal miner at Fraterville mine in Tennessee, on the 19th May 1902 when an explosion collapsed the mine; he died 19
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. William S Davidson, British Petty Officer, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 20
  • Mr. Albert R Davidson, British Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 20
HMS Royal Oak
  • Kenneth E. Davidson, British Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 21
RMS Titanic
  • Mrs. Orian Davidson, (née Hays), aged 27, Canadian First Class passenger from Montreal, Quebec who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping in life boat 3 22
  • Mr. Thornton Davidson (d. 1912), aged 31, Canadian First Class passenger from Montreal, Quebec who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 22
SS Atlantic
  • Mrs. Lauriston Davidson, (nee Umphelby), Australian traveler who was aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
  • Miss Lilian Davidson, Australian traveler who was aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking


The Davidson Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Sapienter si sincere
Motto Translation: Wisely if sincerely.


Suggested Readings for the name Davidson +

  • Davidson Family Research and Compilation 1972, Descendants of George and Margaret Dunne Davidson by Margaret Davidson.
  • Davidson Genealogy by George G. Davidson.
  • Davison-Davidson Family Research by Mildred F. Roberts.

  1. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  2. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  3. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  4. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  5. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  6. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  7. 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)
  8. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
  9. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1820 with 192 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1820
  10. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 5th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/competitor
  11. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 12th January 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1831
  12. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 2nd December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/camden
  13. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  14. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  15. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, January 10) Howard Davidson. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Davidson/Howard_Calhoun/USA.html
  16. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, January 10) Garrison Davidson. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Davidson/Garrison_Holt/USA.html
  17. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  18. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  19. News paper article Fraterville Mine Disaster retrieved on 6th August 2021. (Retrieved from http://www.tn.gov/tsla/exhibits/disasters/fraterville.htm).
  20. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  21. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
  22. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html


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