The surname Davies originated in Wales, and is thought to mean "son of David". Most Welsh surnames are patronymic in origin - indeed before the Act of Union in 1536 patronyms were the only way that people in Wales were named.

Because very few forenames were in use names like Jones and Davies became very common.

The chance that two randomly-selected researchers are descended from the same Davies is consequently remote, and therefore other pointers are necessary, such as date and place of birth, or the names of parents and siblings.

The spelling Davis predominates in England, but was extremely rare in Wales when the 1881 Census was taken. 

Most websites and other resources are much more difficult to use if you are researching a common surname. However, one site that is well worthy trying if you have Davies ancestors can be found here.

This website has absolutely no connection with a very old TV programme starring Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones