The surname Davis is of Welsh origin, derived from the given name “David.” It first appeared in the 17th century, and by the early 19th century, it had become a common name in the United States. Notable individuals with the surname Davis include Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States of America, and Miles Davis, the legendary jazz trumpeter. Today, Davis is the 7th most common surname in the United States, with over 1 million individuals bearing the name.