My DS has been saying dada for many months as well, but I *know* it doesn't mean daddy He also says "Mama" and variations of "mom" when he's upset, but I don't think it means anything, either.
When he's upset, overly tired or just plain hysterical, he goes "Mamama mamama"... I'm guessing he knows it's me. As for his father, I show him pictures and he says "Dadada", but when Dad is home, he won't say it. He started around 6-7 months.
When he's upset or overtired he says mamamamama over and over. Last month he randomly repeated the words dog and dada back to us a few times but since then no more words.
DD has been making the da-da-da sound for months, and sometimes says it at DH, but I don't think she says it with intent just yet. She used to make the ma-ma-ma sound, but hasn't done that in a while. I too encourage her to say mama allthe time, but no luck yet.
She says "hi" and seems to say it in the right context, but I'm not calling it her first word just yet. I think it's more imitation so not sure if she really understands what she's saying.
Re: How old did LO say daddy?
Married: 08/04/12
DD: 6 years | Born: 03/28/13
DS: 1 Year I Born 10/15/17