Name Meaning & Legal Status · Spain

David Name: Meaning, Origin & Spain Legal Status

Showing legal status, local spelling and registration process for Spain specifically. Each of the 7 country pages for David contains different data — see the comparison table below.

What does the name David mean?

The name David means "Beloved". It is of Hebrew origin and is most commonly given to boys across Europe.

Pronunciation in Spanish: dah-VEED. Pronunciation varies slightly by region, but this is the form most commonly heard in Spain.

Is David approved in Spain? David is accepted as a baby name in Spain. Read on for the full origin, Spanish spelling variants, popularity ranking, and the registration process at the Registro Civil.

Is David approved in Spain?

David is accepted as a baby name in Spain. Generally accepted under naming law, without special conditions.

The name David: origin and meaning

David is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "Beloved". It has travelled across Europe for centuries — its earliest bearer in the Christian tradition is King David (Old Testament), Saint David of Wales (patron of Wales), and in modern times it has become widely recognised through cultural figures such as David Bowie, David Beckham (footballer), Michelangelo's David.

In Spain, the name connects to King David (Old Testament), Saint David of Wales (patron of Wales), which keeps it firmly embedded in the Catholic naming tradition and the local saints' calendar.

Popularity of David in Spain

Popular choice: typically ranks around #14 in the Spain top 30.

Our database covers approximately 8,500 names recorded in Spain. You can cross-check David against this full dataset — along with naming patterns in the 24 other European countries we track — using our free name checker.

Spanish spelling and variants of David

In Spain, David is used with its standard international spelling. No adaptation or translation is required — the name is recognised and accepted as written.

Naming rules in Spain

Spain regulates baby names through the Registro Civil under the Ley 20/2011 del Registro Civil. Spain has one of the most permissive naming frameworks in Europe — parents have wide freedom, and refusals are rare and reserved for names that could genuinely harm the child.

For the name David specifically: Generally accepted under naming law, without special conditions.

How to verify before registering

1. Use our free checker — verify David against our database of names actually registered in Spain.
2. Call your local Registro Civil — Registrars can confirm whether David has been accepted locally before you book the registration appointment. This is especially helpful when using a rare spelling.
3. Bring supporting evidence — If the name is unusual, prepare documents: a parent's passport showing the same name, a prior birth certificate, or a reference to a historical/religious figure. This makes a difference if the case escalates.
4. Read the full legal guide — See our complete article on baby name laws in Spain for the full legal background.

Similar boy names approved in Spain

If David is not exactly what you are looking for, these boy names share a similar European tradition and are commonly accepted in Spain:

Frequently asked questions about David

Compare David with the other 6 European countries

The data for David is different in each country — different authority, different deadline, different local spelling. Open any of the 6 sibling pages below:

Related resources

Last updated: May 2026. Information is provided for orientation only and does not constitute legal advice. Always confirm with the Registro Civil.