Davis Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Meaning, Origin, Etymology
Davis (or Davies) is a patronymic surname that has Welsh origins and stems from the first name of David; usually by way of the nickname Davy which was also the French popular form, much in use after the Norman Conquest. Davis means the ‘son of Davy’ or formally the ‘son of David’. This first name can be found in the Bible and is of Hebrew origin. The original meaning of the name was ‘darling’ often used in lullabies or a term of endearment for a child, and later came to be used to mean ‘friend’. (English, Welsh) The son of Davie, a pet form of David (beloved). From the French, Devis; a personal name. English Davies; Irish, Scottish Gaelic: adopted for Mac Daibheid or McDevitt; Jewish: adopted probably for a like-sounding name in some other European languages. One of the most famous bearers of this personal name in Wales was David ap Gryffydd who was the last Prince of North Wales, who was executed about 1276 by King Edward I of England. The Davis surname has a rich and ancient history that dates back to France when it was in the Dark Ages. The Breton name was derived from the popular given name of David, which means beloved. It has also been used as a nickname for a sergeant. The Welsh patron saint was Archbishop of Menevia in the sixth century. His popularity accounts for the frequency of David as a Welsh first name, with its attendant nicknames Dai and Taffy. The latter is the colloquial name for a Welshman, used only by outsiders and generally with slightly derogatory connotations-as in the case of Paddy, or Limey, or Yank.  The Davis Cup is the International Lawn Tennis Challenge Trophy and is competed for annually by all tennis-playing countries (rather than by individuals). It was donated in 1900 by Dwight Davis (1879—1945) who won the US doubles championship three years running-in 1899, 1900 and 1901. There are no Davis-derived towns or cities in the United Kingdom and few elsewhere in the world. Canada has one town called Davis, so do 5 American states. There is a Davis Sea in the Antarctic and a Davis Island in Burma.

Spelling Variations
David, Davy, Davis, Daviaud, Davion, Daviot, Davioud, Davidou, Davin, Davinet, Davinroy, Davet, Davier, Davies, Davise, Daveis, Deavis, Davios, Daivis, Duavis, D’Avis, Davias, Daviss

Early Marriage Records for Davis
Edward Davis married Mary Paxon November 15, 1677 in Richmond Co., Virginia
William Davis married Alice Thorpe October 21, 1658 in Roxbury, Massachusetts
Joanna Davis married George Corliss October 26, 1645 in Haverhill, Massachusetts
Ephriam Davis married Mary Eires March 19, 1688 in Andover, Massachusetts
Sarah Davis married Joseph Rayner February 3, 1696 in Boston, Massachusetts
James Davis married Elizabeth Eaton December 1, 1648 in Haverhill, Massachusetts
Judith Davis married Samuel Emerson February 14, 1687 in Haverhill, Massachusetts
Barbara Davis married John Brimblecombe November 14, 1655 in Boston, Massachusetts
Thomas Davis married Sarah Guy March 7, 1687 in Somerset Co., Maryland
Elizabeth Davis married Thomas Mayo May 4, 1699 in Roxbury, Massachusetts
Samuel Davis married Deborah Barnes December 1663 in Haverhill, Massachusetts
Sarah Davis married John Miles March 14, 1689 in Bristol, Rhode Island
Jane Davis married William Wilson September 16, 1698 in Elizabeth City Co. Virginia
Thomas Davis married Grace Hult January 27, 1697 in Boston Massachusetts
Jacob Davis married Elizabeth Bennett January 20, 1662 in Gloucester, Massachusetts
Hester Davis married John Finch March 25, 1693 in New York
John Davis married Jane Peaslee December 1646 in Haverhill, Massachusetts
Nicholas Davis married Alice Michaell February 18, 1553 in Alvechurch, Worcester, England
Richard Davis married Joane Newtton November 24, 1556 in Leebotwood, Shropshire, England
Issabella Davis married Thomas Raynam October 25, 1557 in Thornbury, Gloucester, England
Marten Davis married Christian May 25, 1558 in Saint Denys, Warminster, Wiltshire, England
Edith Davis married Robert Prior 1558 in Saint James, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England
Mawd Davis married Humfrey Booth October 28, 1559 in chaddesley Corbett, Worcester, England
Anne Davis married Robert Lancton April 22, 1554 in Bristol, Gloucester, England
Thomas Davis married Joan Tanner October 11, 1540 in Bristol, Gloucester, England
Robertus Davis married Agnetem Pike 1559 in Great Bedwin, Wiltshire, England

Popularity & Geographic Distribution
The last name Davis ranks 300th in popularity worldwide as of the 2014 Census and approximately 1,705,092 people carry the Davis surname worldwide. The name ranks particularly high in the following six states: Texas, California, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and New York. It ranks highest in the following countries: United States (1,388,690), England (96,197), Australia (44,979), Canada (35,812), Jamaica (19,295), and Liberia (18,969).

Early Bearers of Surname
Moses Davis 1793 in Great and Hambro Synagogue Births (Whitechapel, Middx)
Barnett Davis, glazier, born in Poland in Census 1871 (Birmingham, Warwicks)
Woolf Davis, furrier, born in Poland in Census 1881 (Whitechapel, Middx)
Myer Davis, cabinetmaker, born in Poland in Census 1891 (Whitechapel, Middx)
Hyam Davis, tailor, born in Germany, in Census 1901 (Saint George in the East, Middx)
Barnet Davis, presser in tailoring, born in Russia, in Census 1911 (Prestwich, Lancs)
John Davis or Davys (1550-1605) was an English navigator who searched for the Northwest Passage.
John Davis jurist born in 1761 in Plymouth, MA
Henry Davis a clergyman and college president who was born in 1771 in East Hampton, NY
Jefferson Davis born in 1808 in KY was president of the Confederate States of America from 1861 to 1865

History, Genealogy & Ancestry
DAVIS OF SWERFORD.
Davis, Robert Snow Bolton, Esq. of Swerford Park, co. Oxford, Lord of the Manor of Swerford, son of the late Samuel Davis, Esq. of Swerford (who d. 1874), by Louisa his wife, only daughter of Gen. Robert Bolton born 1836; married 1864, Sophia the daughter of the late W.S. Perkins, Esq. of Sutton Coldfield, co. Warwick, and has a daughter Sophia Louisa Bolton, born 1866. Seat~Swerford Park, Eustone.

DAVIS OF CRANBROOK PARK
Davis, John Coope, Esq. of Cranbrooke Park, Essex born March 31, 1832; married September 6, 1866, Fanny Kate the elder daughter of the Rev. John Pearson, Rector of East Horndon and Little Warley, Essex. Mr. Davis a Magistrate and Deputy Lieut. for the co., and Col. of the 3rd Battalion of the Essex Rifle Voluneteers, is 2nd son of the late John Davis, Esq. of Cranbrooke Park, J.P., D.L. (who died 1864), by Elizabeth Jesser his wife, daughter of John Coope, Esq., and is grandson of William Davis, Esq. of Leytonstone, Essex, and Wellclose, co. Gloucester, by Dorothy his wife. He has the following brothers and sisters; William (elder brother), of Wellclose, co. Gloucester married Adelaide the daughter of Miles Stringer, Esq. and has issue five children; Hugh, Commander R.N.; Howell, Major 29th regt.; Arthur Harvey, Lieut-Col. Indian Army; Edward Gabriel, B.A. Trin. Coll. Cambridge, Chaplain in India; Anna Maria married Rev. Frederick French, Rector of Worlingworth, Suffolk; Adelaide, married William Cotesworth, Esq. of Cowden Knowes, Melrose, N.B.; Eliza Jesser married Col. John Watson, V.C., C.B.; Emilia married H.R. Mansel Jones, Esq., Barrister-at-Law; and Mary. Seat~Cranbrooke Park, Ilford, Essex.

COMPLETE AMERICAN AMOURY AND BLUE BOOK 1907
Davis, Charles H., Rear-Admiral, U.S.N., of Washington, D.C. (Son of Rear-Adml. Chas. H. Davis, U.S.N., 1807-77, married Harriette Blake Mills died 1892; son of Daniel, 1713-99; son of Joseph, 1662-1729; son of Robert died 1693; son of Dolor Davis, from Benefield, Northants., Eng., who settled at Cambridge, Mass., 1634, married at E. Fairleigh, Kent, 1624, Margery Willard of Horsemonden). Born at Cambridge, Mass., Aug. 28, 1845; Midshipman, Nov. 29, 1861, Civil War; Capt. U.S.N.; War with Spain; Comendador de numero of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic, of Spain; married Mar. 31, 1875, Louisa M., daughter of Surg.-Gen. John Van Pelt and Elizabeth (Wright) Quackenbush, M.D., of Albay. Issue: 1) Charles Henry born April 23, 1885 2) Daniel born November 20, 1886. 3) Elizabeth. Arms~Gules, a chevron engrailed between three boars’ heads erased argent. Crest~On a chapeau gules, turned up ermine, a boar statant. Motto~Virtute duce comite fortuna. Residence~Naval Observatory, Wash. D.C.; Conanicut Island, Naraganstt Bay, R.I. Clubs~University, Knickerbocker, New York Yacht. Societies~Cincinnati, Military Order of Foreign Wars.

GENEALOGY OF THE DESCENDANTS OF COL. JOHN DAVIS OF OXFORD, CONN.
John, son of Joseph and Mary (Wheeler) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., September 28. 1755, married Mehitable, daughter of Capt. Reu ben Thomas, of New Haven, Conn., April 10, 1782. She was born in New Haven, Conn., April 12, 1764, died in Oxford, Conn., December 27, 1852, aged 88 years, 8 months, 15 days. He died in Oxford, Conn., November 27, 1848, aged 93 years, 1 month, 29 days. He was very much interested in military affairs, being commander of a regiment of Connecticut Militia. Resided in Oxford, Conn. Had fourteen children, all born in Oxford, Conn. Part one. 78. 2. Sarah, born March 31, 1783 ; married Addison Bischo. Part one. 79. 3. Anson, born September 5, 1785; married Sally Prudden. Part one. 80. 4. Truman, born March 13, 1787; married Mary Alling, Statira Ball, Sophia Mallory. Part one. 81. 5. John, born September 8 1788; married Laura Riggs. Part one. 82. 6. Lucretia, born September 22, 1790; married Samuel Mallory. Part one. 83. 7. Mary, born May 28, 1892; married Abijah Hyde. Part one. 84. 8. Charity, born February 8, 1794; married Peter Prudden. Part one. 85. 9. Nabby, born December 21, 1795; married Harvey Osborn. Part one. 86. 10. Nancy, born December 21, 1795 ; married Cyrus Humphrey. Part one. 87. 11. Joseph W., born August 13, 1798; married Henrietta Newton. Part one. 88. 12. Sheldon, born September 3, 1800 ; died May 30, 1813. Part one. 89. 13. Lewis, born January 26, 1803 ; married Lucinda Perkins. Part one. 90. 14. Burrett, born July 12, 1806; married Electa Osborn. Part one. 91. 15. Julia M., born July 4, 1810; married Ebenezer Riggs. 2. Sarah, daughter of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., March 3, 1783, married Addison Bischo February 24, 1802, no record of his death as he left Oxford shortly after his marriage. She died in Oxford, Conn., December 6, 1808, aged 25 years, 8 months, 5 days. Had no children. 3. Anson, son of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn,. September 5, 1785, married Sally, daughter of Samuel and Ann (Clark) Prudden of Milford, Conn., September 5, 1811. She was born in Milford, Conn., January 4, 1792, and died on Great Hill Seymour, Conn., March 30, 1865, aged 73 years, 2 months, 26 days. He died on Great Hill Seymour, Conn., January 11, 1868, aged 82 years, 4 months, 6 days. Had ten children. 16. Sheldon, born January 1, 1813; married Marietta E. Church. 17. Sarah A., born March 10, 1815; married Luman Chapman. 18. Anson R., born March 30, 1818 ; married Mary N. Alling. 19. Marcus, born October 9, 1820 ; married Sarah M. Greene. 20. Delia M., born October 25, 1822 ; married John F. Coxhead. 21. Harpin, born February 24, 1825 ; married Mary Chatheld. 22. Homer, born October 5, 1827; died March 8, 1899. 23. Samuel P., born September 1, 1831; died December 14, 1891. 24. Martha E., born July 1, 1834; married Dr. James E. Prudden. 25. Victoria S., born September 21, 1837 ; married John F. Coxhead. 4. Truman, son of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., March 13, 1787, married first, Mary, daughter of Roger and Lydia (Perkins) Alling of Woodbridge, Conn., December 6, 1808 ; second, Statira Ball, of Bethany, Conn., third, Mrs. Sophia Mallory, of Milford, Conn. Mary was born in Woodbridge, Conn., 1792, died in Guntown, Naugatuck, Conn., February 13, 1832, aged 40 years, months, days. Statira was born in Bethany, Conn., died in Guntown, Naugatuck, Conn., April 24, 1854, aged years, months, days. Sophia died in Stratford, Conn. , 1891. He died in Guntown, Naugatuck, Conn., April 19, 1868, aged 81 years, 1 month, 6 days. Resided in Guntown, Conn. Had ten children. 26. Emily, born August 19, 1810; married Constant L. Adams; married Samuel Williams. 27. David A., born July 27, 1812 ; died March 20, 1847. 28. Clark, born March 30, 1815; married Mary A. Toffey. 29. Marietta, born August 22, 1817 ; married Nathan W. Morgan. 30. Charles, born September 25, 1819; died December 20, 1819. 31. Emmert, born January 24, 1821 ; married Harrison Tomlinson. 32. John, born October 7, 1823; married Jennette G. Alling. 33. Lydia, born February 15, 1826; married John R. Tomlinson. 34. Burr, born January 7, 1828 ; married Mary J. Mallette. 35. Lucy, born February 19, 1830; married Hart C. Hubbell. 5. John, son of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., September 8, 1788, married Laura, daughter of John and Mary Riggs of Oxford, Conn., October 16, 1813. She was born in Oxford, Conn., May 7, 1795 ; died in Oxford, Conn., February 20, 1855, aged 59 years, 9 months, 13 days. He died in Oxford, Conn., August 8, 1848, aged 59 years, 11 months. Resided in Oxford, Conn. Had four children. 36. John R.. born December 20, 1814; married Sarah J. Wheeler. 37. Isaac B., born April 15, 1817 ; married Maria A. Tucker; married Mrs. Josephine H. Kenyon. 38. Otis, born February 8, 1825; died April 12, 1842. 39. William H., born March 10, 1829; married Frances Mallette; married Catharine M. Fairchild. 6. Lucretia, daughter of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., September 22, 1790, married Samuel, son of David and Ruth (Trowbridge) Mallory, of Oxford, Conn., March 11, 1810. He was born in Oxford, Conn., August 9, 1782, died in Greenwood, N. Y., August 19, 1854, aged 72 years, 10 days. She died in Greenwood, N. Y., November 10, 1867, aged 77 years, 1 month, 18 days. Resided in Greenwood, N. Y. Had nine children. 40. George, born March 22, 1811 ; married Eleanor Van Orden. 41. Lucius, born April 28, 1813; married Clarissa Andrus. 42. Sarah A., born October 11, 1817; married William Krusen. 43. Augustus, born January 6, 1818 ; married Mary J. Burrows. 44. Maria T., born November 14, 1820; married Lorin Slocum. 45. Hannah E., born March 11, 1823, married Oliver H. Halleck. 46. Abigail G, born May 2, 1825 ; married Charles Wallace. 47. Homer H., born February 18, 1827; married Betsey Wallace. 48. Rufus, born June 10, 1831 ; married Lucy A’. Rose. 7. Mary, daughter of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was bora in Oxford, Conn., May 28, 1792, married Abijah Hyde, of Oxford, Conn., February , 1835. He died in Oxford, Conn., November 7, 1864. She died in Oxford, Conn., October 8, 1861, aged 69 years, 4 months, 10 days. Resided in Oxford, Conn. Had one child. 49. Sarah G., born January , 1837, died October 22, 1837. 8. Charity, daughter of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., February 8, 1794, married Peter son of Samuel and Ann (Clark) Prudden, October 20, 1814. He was born in Milford, Conn., March 8, 1790, died in Lockport, N. Y., March 25, 1875, aged 85 years, 17 days. She died in Lockport, N. Y., November 17, 1872, aged 78 years, 9 months, 9 days. Resided in Lockport, N. Y. Had eight children. 50. George P., born February 13, 1816; married Eliza A. Johnson. 51. Nancy, born March 12, 1818; married Seth C. Hart. 52. James D., born April 2, 1820; married Eliza beth A. Bristol. 53. Henry, born November 29, 1821; married Sarah A. Hulburd. 54. Giles, born October 26, 1823; married Susan L Scovell. 55. Lewis, born June 19, 1825; married Elizabeth A. B. Prudden. 56. John A., born February 1, 1831 ; died December 5, 1847. 57. Orange D., born February 28, 1835 ; died December 17, 1847. Nabby, daughter of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., December 31, 1795; married Harvey Osborne, of Oxford, Conn. She died in New Rochelle, N. Y., July 31, 1866, aged 76 years, 7 months. No children. 10. Nancy, daughter of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was bom in Oxford, Conn., December 31, 1795, married Cyrus Humphrey of Seymour, Conn. He was born in Conn., , 1797, died in Oxford, Conn., August 22, 1826, aged 29 years. She died in Oxford, Conn., August 26, 1826, aged 30 years, 7 months, 25 days. Had five children. 58. Bernard, born May 30, 1820; married Sarah G. Hitchcock. 59. Nancy, born , 1822 ; married George B. Robinson. 60. Infant, born , 1823; died August 31, 1823. 61. Homer, born February , 1824; died August 17, 1826. 62. Infant, born , 1826; died August 22, 1826. 11. Joseph Wheeler, son of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., August 13, 1799, married Henrietta Newton of Woodbridge, Conn., November 11, 1824. She was born in Woodbridge, Conn., December 29, 1802. She died in Bridge port, Conn., January 20, 1852, aged 49 years, 21 days. He died in Oxford, Conn., May 11, 1858, aged 58 years, 8 months, 28 days. Had three children. 63. Jonah N., born June 30, 1827 ; married Emily J. Robinson ; married Ada Burnett. 64. De Witt, born January 31, 1833; married Minnie L. Brand. 65. Joseph B., born October 12, 1837 ; died December 1, 1853. 12. Sheldon, son of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., September 13, 1800, died in Oxford, Conn., May 30, 1813, aged 12 years, 8 months, 17 days. 13. Lewis, son of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., January 26, 1803, married Lucinda Perkins, of Oxford, Conn., October 21, 1829. She was born in , Conn., August 6, 1807, died in Oxford, Conn., July 18, 1882, aged 74 years, 11 months, 12 days. He died in Oxford, Conn., February 11, 1871, aged 68 years, 15 days. Lived in Oxford, Conn. Had three children. 66. Henry, born October 10, 1830 ; married Amelia Beecher. 67. Mary L., born October 30, 1840; married Charles W. Storrs. 68. Franklin L., born June 19, 1847; married Mary Lane. 14. Burritt, son of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., July 12, 1806, married Sarah Electa, daughter of Hiram Osborn, of Oxford, Conn., December 11, 1828. She was born in Oxford, Conn., May 6, 1808, died in Oxford, Conn., January 4, 1889, aged 80 years, 7 months, 28 days. He died in Oxford, Conn., May 24, 1893, aged 86 years, 10 months, 12 days. Resided in Oxford, Conn. Had four children. 69. Burr J., born September 6, 1829; married Ellen J. Fairchild; married Sarah F. Sperry. 70. Sarah E., born October 11, 1832; married Frederick O. Cable. 71. John H., born September 20, 1834; died November 6, 1835. 72. Bernard H., born May 22, 1843 ; married Ida E. Eckter. 15. Julia Maria, daughter of Col. John and Mehitable (Thomas) Davis was born in Oxford, Conn., July 4, 1810, married Ebenezer, son of Ebenezer and Sabra (Holbrook) Riggs, of Oxford, Conn., December 9, 1827. He was born in Oxford, Conn., January 26, 1807; died in Oxford, Conn., December 12, 1877, aged 70 years, 10 months, 16 days. She died in Oxford, Conn., August 9, 1844, aged 34 years, 1 month, 5 days. Lived in Oxford, Conn. Had four children. 73. Lucinda, born December 29, 1828; married Henry Church. 74. Ebenezer De W., born July 31, 1832 ; married Elizabeth F. Strong. 75. Homer, born April 30, 1837 ; married Mary E. Davis. 76. Bernice, born July 12, 1841; married Charles A. Meigs .

Early American Immigration and New World Settlers
Davis Settlers in United States in the 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th Century
Dolor Davis, who arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1634
Isbell Davis, aged 22, who landed in Virginia in 1635
Dorothy Davis, who arrived in Virginia in 1636
Christopher Davis, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1636
Jenkin Davis, who landed in Lynn, Massachusetts in 1637
Faith Davis, who landed in Virginia in 1700
Johannah Davis, who landed in Virginia in 1702
Duke Davis, who landed in Virginia in 1703
Issabella Davis, who arrived in Virginia in 1705
Geo Davis, who landed in Virginia in 1714
Hugh Davis, who arrived in Allegheny (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1802
William Davis, William Davis, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1803-1827
William Davis, who landed in America in 1805
James Davis, who landed in Allegheny (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1806
John Davis, who arrived in Allegheny (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1808
A M Davis, who arrived in Mississippi in 1906
Albert Henry Davis, who arrived in Colorado in 1907
Henry Vincent Davis, who arrived in Alabama in 1917

Davis Settlers in Canada in the 18th, 19th, 20th Century
Charles Davis, who arrived in Newfoundland in 1713
Folk Davis, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
Greenway Davis, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
James Davis, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
John Davis, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
Walter R Davis, who landed in Canada in 1831
Martha Davis, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship “Madawaska” in 1833
John Davis, aged 20, a farmer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship “Edward Reid” in 1833
James Davis, who landed in Canada in 1833
Andrew Davis, aged 24, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship “Highlander” in 1834
Mrs. Davis, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907
J B Davis, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Davis Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
John Davis, English convict from Dorset, who was transported aboard the “Ann” on August 1809, settling in New South Wales, Australia
William Davis, English convict from London, who was transported aboard the “Ann” on August 1809, settling in New South Wales, Australia
George Davis, English convict from London, who was transported aboard the “Almorah” on April 1817, settling in New South Wales, Australia
David Davis, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the “Agamemnon” on April 22, 1820, settling in New South Wales, Australia
John Davis, English convict from Kent, who was transported aboard the “Agamemnon” on April 22, 1820, settling in New South Wales, Australia

Davis Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th & 20th Century
Charles O Davis, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1831
Mr. David Davis, Cornish settler traveling from Launceston, UK aboard the ship “Brazil Packet” arriving in Hokianga, North Island, New Zealand in 1836
T Davis, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1837
James Davis, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
James Davis, who landed in Otakou, Otago, New Zealand in 1840
Arthur Davis, aged 29, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship “S. S. Waimana” in 1926

Mottoes
Cresco per crucem. I increase by the cross.
Decide
I will.
Malgre le tort. Despite of wrong.
Trust in God.
Utile secernere honestum. To separate the honourable from the useful.

Grantees
DAVIS, RICHARD, Bp. of St. Asaph, 20 Feb. 1559-60 by Harvey, Clar. 1386, fo. 110.
DAVIS to BATSON (WILLIAM), THOMAS, 24 Dec. 1702, Vol. V, fol. 85
DAVIS, PETER, s. of John, remainder to grandfather William (Recorder of Wells), of co. Somerset, and Beneber, Lincoln’s Inn, London, 17…, Vol. IX, fol. 145. (26 June 1745, Grant to Peter Davis
DAVIS….of Wells, co. Somerset. Arms to SHERSTON
DAVIS….of Little Ormond Street and Westminster, London, 1746, Vol. IX, fol. 164
DAVIS, MARK of St. Augustine’s, Bristol, co. Glouc., and North Wraxall, Wilts., 1772, Vol. XII fol. 136.
DAVIS….of Bristol, co. Glouc., M.P. Bristol, Match, 181, Vol. XXVIII, fol. 433.
DAVIS TO TRESHAM, of Old or Wold, co. Northampton. Match, 181.., Vol. XXVII, fol. 187
DAVIS….of Bethnal House, Bethanl Green, co. Middx., 182.., Vol. XXXIII, fol. 295.
DAVIS….of Grimsend House, Suckley, co. Worc., and Worcester, 182.., Vo. XXXV, fol. 289
DAVIS, MARY WIFE OF BURR. Arms, 13 June 1822.
DAVIS, WILLIAM, of Grimsend House, par. of Suckley, co., Worc., s. and h. of William, late of the same. Arms used by his grandfather William and his grandmother Frances, dau. and at length sole heir of Thomas MENCE, of the City of London; not registered. Arms. quarterly Davis and Mence, 12 Aug. 1825.)
DAVIS, WILLIAM, of Leytonstone, co. Essex; Montgomery, Wales; Wellclose Brockworth, co. Glouc.; and Bishop’s Castle, Shropsh., 183//, Vol. XL, fol. 17.
DAVIS-PROTHEROE….,of Turnworth, co. Dorset, and Cheltenham, co. Glouc., 184.., Vol. XLVII, fol. 301.
DAVIS, Sir no. Francis, Bart., of Henbury, co. Glouc., Governor and Com.-in-Chief, Hong Kong, 184.., Vol. XLVII, fol. 424.
DAVIS, Lt.-Col. George Lenox, C.B., of Waterhouse, Wilts., 184.., Vol. XLVIII, fol. 360.
DAVIS, John, of Greenhills, Tilford, Farnham, co. Surrey, and Ed. Mansions, Victoria Street, Westminster, 1884, Vol. LXII, fol. 249.
DAVIS, F., of Park Crescent, Portland Place, London, 1894, Vol. LXVIII, fol. 71
DAVIS, George Nullett (s. of John Davis) of Liverpool, 185.., Vol. LII fol. 64
DAVIS, Henry Pelham of co. Kent, June 1772
DAVIS TO KNIGHT, Jane of St. Marylebone, co. Middx. to take surname and Arms of Knight under the will of Robert, Earl of CATHERLOUGH, April 29, 1772, Vol. XII fol. 142.
DAVIS TO KNIGHT, of Wooton-Wawen, co. Warw., nat. sons of Knight, Earl of CATHERLOUGH, 17…, Vol. XVII. fol. 448.
DAVIS, James W., F.L.S., Alderman and late Mayor of Halifax, co. York, 18…, Vol. LXXI, fol.
DAVIS, of Liverpool, 185.., Vol. LII, fol.

Notables
Nathan Tate Davis (1937-2018), American hard bop jazz multi-instrumentalist
Ivan Roy Davis Jr. (1932-2018), American classical pianist from Electra, Texas
CeDell Davis (1927-2017), born Ellis Davis, an American blues guitarist and singer
Little Sammy Davis (1928-2018), American blues musician from Winona, Mississippi
Jack Davis (1935-2018), American politician, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois (1987-1989)
Jackson Beauregard Davis Sr., (1918-2016), American lawyer and politician, Louisiana State Senator for Caddo and Bossier parishes (1956-1980)
John Burton “Jack” Davis Jr. (1924-2016), American cartoonist and illustrator, one of the founding cartoonists for Mad in 1952
Charles Davis (1933-2016), American jazz saxophonist and composer
Dennis Davis (d. 2016), American drummer and session musician best known for his work with David Bowie
James Z. Davis (1943-2016), American jurist on the Utah Court of Appeals (1993-2015)
John Davis or Davys (1550-1605) was an English navigator who searched for the Northwest Passage.
John Davis jurist born in 1761 in Plymouth, MA
Henry Davis a clergyman and college president who was born in 1771 in East Hampton, NY
Jefferson Davis born in 1808 in KY was president of the Confederate States of America from 1861 to 1865

American Revolution Veterans
There were over 7,800 men that carried the Davis surname that served in the Revolutionary War between the years of 1775-1783. Below you will find just a few of these men.
Aaron Dais, Rhode Island, Rank of Private
Abram Davis, Virginia, Rank of Corporal
Aguila Davis, Virginia, Rank of Sergeant
Amos Davis, Vermont, Rank of Corporal
Andrie Davis, New York, Rank of Private
Aquilla Davis, New Hampshire, Rank of Private
Benajah Davis, Rhode Island, Rank of Corporal
Binger Davis, Pennsylvania, Rank of Private
Bryin Davis, Virginia, Rank of Private
Chapman Davis, New York, Rank of Private
Comfort Davis, Massachusetts, Rank of Private
Cornelius Davis, Massachusetts, Rank of Private
Daniel Davis, New Jersey, Rank of Corporal
Ebenezer Davis, Connecticut, Rank of Private
Edward Davis, Maryland, Rank of 1st Company
Elijah Davis, Massachusetts, Rank of Sergeant
Enoch Davis, Virginia, Rank of Corporal
Henry Davis, Rhode Island, Rank of Private
Hugh Davis, New York, Rank of Private
Ishamel Davis, Virginia, Rank of Private
James Davis, Virginia, Rank of Private
Jeremiah Davis, Virginia, Rank of Private
Joshua Davis, New York, Rank of Private
Josiah Davis, Connecticut, Rank of Fifer
Lathrop Davis, Connecticut, Rank of Sergeant
Martin Davis, Connecticut, Rank of Fife Major
Mathew Davis, Pennsylvania, Rank of Private
Moses Davis, New Hampshire, Rank of Private
Nicholas Davis, Rhode Island, Rank of Private
Pardon Davis, Rhode Island, Rank of Drummer
Peter Davis, Maryland, Rank of Matross
Rob Davis, Pennsylvania, Rank of Private
Samuel Davis, Massachusetts, Rank of Private
Solomon Davis, Massachusetts, Rank of Private
Sothron Davis, Connecticut, Rank of Sergeant
Spilsby Davis, Virginia, Rank of Sergeant
Squire Davis, Massachusetts, Rank of Private
Stephen Davis, Connecticut, Rank of Drum & Fife
Thomas Davis, Connecticut, Rank of Drummer
Walter Davis, Virginia, Rank of Private
William Davis, Connecticut, Rank of Private

Civil War Veterans
There were over 28,700 men that carried the Davis surname that served in the Civil War between the years of 1861-1865. Below you will find just a few of these men.
Andrew Davis, 2nd Regiment, Florida Cavalry, Union, Florida
Benjamin Davis, 16th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Union, Illinois
Charles Davis, 65th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Dexter Davis, 82nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, Union, Pennsylvania
Edward Davis Ulman’s Independent Battery, Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Union, Pennsylvania
Francis Davis, 2nd Regiment, Missouri Cavalry, Confederate, Missouri
George Davis, 13th Regiment, New Jersey Infantry, Union, New Jersey
Henry Davis, 21st Regiment, Missouri Infantry, Union, Missouri
Humphrey Davis, 24th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry, Confederate, Virginia
James Davis, 161st Regiment, New York Infantry, Union, New York
John Davis, 4th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Leroazette Davis, 78th Regiment, Ohio Infantry, Union, Ohio
Levi Davis, 28th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Logan Davis, 5th Regiment, Tennessee Cavalry, Union, Tennessee
Newton Davis, 5th Regiment, Georgia Infantry, Confederate, Georgia
Peter Davis, 15th Regiment, Texas Cavalry, Confederate, Texas
Rausom Davis, 124th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. colored Troops
Riley Davis, 24th Regiment, North Carolina Infantry, Confederate, North Carolina
Robert Davis, 50th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, Union, U.S. Colored Troops
Thomas Davis, 91st Regiment, Ohio Infantry, Union, Ohio
Truxillo Davis, 28th Regiment, Louisiana Infantry, Confederate, Louisiana

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

1) (Hollywood, co. Gloucester, bart.). Motto—Utili secernere honestum. The augmentation of the Indian Spear in the crest commemorates an heroic achievement of Sir John Davis’s father, the late Samuel Davis, Esq., member of the Board of Revenue in Bengal. In 1799, after the massacre of the Political Resident at Benares, he defended his house for upwards of an hour and a-half, armed with a spear only, and posted in a narrow staircase, single handed, against the treacherous attack of the usurper, Vizier Ali, and his forces, and “thus saved the settlement, by giving time for the cavalry, which were quartered at Beetabur, about ten miles from Benares, to reach Secrole, and oblige Vizier Ali to retire with his followers.” Ar. a chev. nebuly betw. three mullets in chief and another in base pierced sa. Crest—Two Indian pikes in saltire ppr. surmounted by a mullet pierced sa. betw. two wings vair ar. and sa.
2) (Bristol). Gu.a chev. erm. in chief two mounds or, in base a talbot pass, of the last. Crest—Two arms embowed, habited erm. cuffs az. hands ppr. supporting a mound, as in the arms.
3) (co. Kent; allowed June, 1772). Az. a wolf saliant erm. Crest—A wolf pass. erm.
4) (co. Kent). Or, a cross botonnee in saltire betw. four eagles displ. sa.
5) (London and Westminster; granted 1746). Per bend sinister erm. and ermines a lion ramp. reguard. erminois; on a chief az. three mullets of six points ar. Crest—A demi wolf ramp, reguard. and erased az. ducally collared and chained or, holding in the paws a mullet, as in the arms.
6) (co. Salop). Gu. a chev. betw. three boars’ heads couped ar.
7) Per fesse ar. and sa. in chief two towers of the second. Crest—A leopard’s head erased ppr.
8) Gu. a chev. betw. three boars’ heads erased ar. Crest—A boar’s head erased ppr.
9) Sa. a fesse or, betw. three cinquefoils ar. Crest—A lion’s head erased or, ducally crowned gu.
10) Sa. a fesse betw. three cinquefoils pierced erm.
11) Ar. on a bend az. cotised gu. three doves or.
12) Gu. a chev. engr. betw. three boars’ heads erased ar.
13) Az. a fesse erm. betw. three unicorns’ heads erased ar. Crest—Three arrows, two in saltire and one in pale ppr.
14) (co. Hereford). Az. a wolf saliant ar. charged on the breast with a quatrefoil gu. (another, a cinquefoil). Crest—Out of a mural coronet ppr. a demi wolf saliant ar. holding a quatrefoil gu.
15) (Leytonstone, co. Essex). Motto—Decide. Ar. a chev. pean, in base a lion ramp. sa. a chief indented of the last, and a canton ermines. Crest—A demi lion issuant sa. charged on the shoulder with the fasces or, betw. the paws a bomb fired ppr.
16) (originally co. Salop, afterwards Fenton House, Hampstead Heath). Gu. a chev. betw. three boars’ heads couped ar. Crest—A fawn couchant.
17) (Kill, co. Kildare; Fun. Ent. of Gerrote Davis, of that place, d. 2 May, 1619, son of John Davis, Esq., of same place). Sa. on a chev. ar. three treloils slipped vert.
18) (Kill, co. Kildare; Fun. Ent. of Lawrence, third son of John Davis, of that place, buried at St. Andeous, 8 April, 1634). Same Arms, a martlet for diff.
19) (Viscount Mount Cashell Sir Paul Davis or Davys, Knt., of St. Katherine’s, co. Dublin, and Kill, co. Kildare, was so created in the peerage of Ireland, 1706, extinct 1736). Same Arms. Crest—A dragon’s head erased vert. Supporters—Two leopards guard, cowarded ppr.
20) (Fun. Ent. of Sir William Davis, Lord Chief Justice, King’s Bench, Ireland, d. 24 Sept. 1687). Same Arms, a martlet for diff. Crest—A wyvern’s head erased vert.
21) (Reg. Ireland, to Major Thomas Davis). Sa. a fess or, betw. three cinquefoils ar. on a chief of the second three arrow heads gu. Crest—A cubit dexter arm in armour embowed, the hand holding a battle axe all ppr.
22) (Reg. Ireland). Ar. on a bend gu. betw. two caltraps sa. three cinquefoils or. Crest—A nag’s head couped ar. charged on the neck with caltraps sa.
23) (Ireland, borne by Hercules Davis, Esq.). Gu. a chev. betw. three boars’ heads couped ar. Crest—A boar ramp. ar.
24) (J. N. C. Atkins Davis, Surgeon-Major Royal Artillery, H.P. Deputy Inspector of Army Hospitals, eldest son of the late James Thomas Davis, Esq., Surgeon Royal Artillery and Acting Deputy-lnspector of Ordnance Hospitals in the Peninsula). Motto—I will. Gu. a chev. ar. in chief three battle axes, in base a human heart, guttee de sang, pierced with a dagger, all of the second. Crest—A dexter mailed arm holding a scimitar ppr.
25) (Sir John Davis, Attorney-General for Ireland, 1606). Sa. a fess erm. betw. three cinquefoils pierced ar.
26) (Reg. in Ireland to Major Thomas Davis, temp. Charles II.) Sa. a fess or, betw. three cinquefoils ar. on a chief of the second three caltraps gu. Crest—An arm in armour embowed, the hand gauntletted holding a battle axe all ppr.