What does Mavis mean and where does it come from?
The name Mavis originated in medieval England and is derived from the Old French word 'mauvis', meaning a thrush or songbird. The name became popular in the 19th century and is sometimes associated with the image of a songbird representing joy and happiness. Mavis is notably carried by the character
Cultural significance
Mavis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a songbird or nightingale.
Peak popularity
Reached #270 in 1927 — currently #561 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mavis?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mavis?
Mavis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mavis Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Mavis Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Mavis Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Mavis Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Mavis Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Mavis Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Mavis right now?
Holding steady — currently #561 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #561 | 537 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2024 | #566 | 533 | ▲ up 29 · +6% births |
| 2023 | #595 | 502 | ▲ up 86 · +17% births |
| 2022 | #681 | 429 | ▲ up 78 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #759 | 377 | ▲ up 82 · +17% births |
| 2020 | #841 | 321 | ▲ up 165 · +21% births |
| 2015 | #1006 | 266 | ▲ up 5919 · +1378% births |
| 2010 | #6925 | 18 | ▲ up 1990 · +50% births |
| 2005 | #8915 | 12 | ▼ down 858 |
| 2000 | #8057 | 12 | ▼ down 1768 · -14% births |
| 1995 | #6289 | 14 | ▼ down 713 · -12% births |
| 1990 | #5576 | 16 | ▼ down 192 · +23% births |
| 1985 | #5384 | 13 | ▼ down 1960 · -46% births |
| 1980 | #3424 | 24 | ▼ down 677 · -11% births |
| 1975 | #2747 | 27 | — |
The story of Mavis
Mavis has been a beloved American name for over 131 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1893. A total of 20,758 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #984 in 1895 to #595 in 2023. Mavis is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Mavis in 1927:
Mavis by decade
Mavis peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 58 | |
| 1900s | 235 | |
| 1910s | 1,718 | |
| 1920s ★ | 5,597 | |
| 1930s | 4,551 | |
| 1940s | 2,707 | |
| 1950s | 1,722 | |
| 1960s | 992 | |
| 1970s | 335 | |
| 1980s | 176 | |
| 1990s | 131 | |
| 2000s | 128 | |
| 2010s | 2,087 | |
| 2020s | 1,391 | |
What are good nicknames for Mavis?
What names sound and feel like Mavis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mavis also consider these
Common questions about the name Mavis
What does the name Mavis mean?
Mavis means "a songbird or nightingale" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Mavis?
Mavis is currently ranked #595 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mavis have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Mavis?
Mavis originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Mavis?
Mavis is a two-syllable name pronounced MAY-vis. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Mavis trending right now?
Mavis is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.