John Davies, English poet and lawyer (d. 1626)

The name John Davies is notably common across English-speaking regions, particularly within Wales and communities with strong Welsh heritage, where "Davies" is a prevalent surname. When encountered in a directory, encyclopedia, or other reference context, this phrase typically serves as a navigational tool, indicating that there are multiple individuals, and occasionally places or other entities, who share this exact name. It signals to a reader that further clarification is needed to identify the specific "John Davies" they are seeking.

Such a statement initiates what is known as a disambiguation page or section. The primary purpose of these pages is to help users distinguish between different subjects that bear identical or very similar titles. Without such a guide, searching for "John Davies" could lead to confusion, as one might inadvertently find information about a person other than the one intended. These pages are invaluable for ensuring clarity and precision in information retrieval, acting as a crossroads to guide you to the correct destination.

Understanding the "John Davies" Disambiguation

Given the frequent occurrence of both the given name "John" and the surname "Davies," it is virtually certain that numerous individuals throughout history and in contemporary society have held this name. A typical disambiguation entry for "John Davies" would likely present a list, each item briefly describing a distinct person, often including their profession, birth and death dates, and perhaps a notable achievement or area of influence. This concise information allows users to quickly differentiate between individuals such such as:

• John Davies (politician): Perhaps a Member of Parliament, a local councillor, or a figure in public service.
• John Davies (historian): An academic, author, or researcher known for their contributions to historical understanding.
• John Davies (athlete): A sportsman, perhaps an Olympic medalist, a national champion, or a professional player in various sports.
• John Davies (artist): A painter, sculptor, musician, or performer.
• John Davies (cleric): A bishop, pastor, or theologian with significant ecclesiastical roles.
• John Davies (businessman): An entrepreneur, CEO, or influential figure in the corporate world.
• John Davies (poet): An author or literary figure, contributing to national or international literature.

Each entry would serve as a hyperlink, leading directly to a more comprehensive article or profile dedicated to that specific individual. This structure ensures that users can swiftly navigate to the information most relevant to their query, preventing the frustration of encountering unrelated content.

FAQs about Common Names and Disambiguation Pages

What is a disambiguation page?

A disambiguation page is a special type of informational page designed to help users distinguish between multiple subjects that share the same or similar name. It acts as a navigational aid, listing all known entities with that name and providing brief descriptions to help you find the specific one you're looking for.

Why are names like "John Davies" so common?

The name "John" has been a hugely popular given name for centuries across many cultures, stemming from its biblical origins. "Davies" is a very common Welsh surname, meaning "son of David." The combination of a highly common given name and a highly common surname naturally results in a significant number of individuals sharing this full name, particularly in areas with Welsh heritage.

How do I find the specific person I'm looking for on a disambiguation page?

To find the correct person, carefully read the brief description provided next to each name on the list. These descriptions often include a profession, a birth/death year range, or a notable area of activity that helps differentiate one individual from another. Once you identify the most likely match, click on their entry to access their dedicated article.

What kind of information typically distinguishes entries on a disambiguation page?

Entries are usually distinguished by their profession or field of work (e.g., "historian," "politician," "athlete"), their notable achievements, a specific time period they were active in (often indicated by birth and death years), or sometimes a specific geographical location associated with them if it's relevant to their distinction.

Are disambiguation pages only for people?

While people are very common subjects, disambiguation pages can also list places (e.g., different towns named Springfield), concepts (e.g., various meanings of "Java"), or even fictional characters, as long as they share an identical or very similar title that might cause confusion.