Davy

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈdeɪvi/

Definitions

1. A common first name for males, often used as a diminutive of David
2. A surname that can be found in various cultures, frequently associated with different historical figures
3. A term associated with maritime history, notably linked to a style of hat or cap worn by sailors

Etymology: "Davy" is a pet form of the male given name David, which comes from Hebrew "Dawidh," usually explained as "beloved." English speakers have long shortened David into a diminutive ending in "-y," the same pattern that produced names like Jimmy from James or Bobby from Robert. The "-y" ending does much of the work here. Affectionate short forms of personal names were common in English, and attaching "-y" or "-ie" to a shortened name marked a familiar, informal use, often for a child or a close friend. The result is a name that sounds more intimate than its full form. Because "Davy" is simply a shortening of an existing name, its meaning as a given name is inherited directly from David, and its history follows that of the longer name rather than having a separate course of its own.