What does Tavis mean and where does it come from?
Tavis is often used as a unisex name but is more frequently applied to females in recent years. The name has Scottish origins and can be considered a variant of 'David', which translates to 'beloved'. Its usage has become more notable in the United States, particularly since the late 20th century, a
Cultural significance
Tavis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of 'david', meaning 'beloved'..
Peak popularity
Reached #8978 in 1977 — currently #831 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tavis?
Tavis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tavis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tavis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tavis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tavis Claire
French influence · crisp
Tavis Jane
Literary · strong
Tavis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tavis right now?
Holding steady — currently #831 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #831 | 1,369 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #836 | 1,349 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #841 | 1,319 | — |
The story of Tavis
Tavis is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 2,176 total births recorded, Tavis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #841 in 2021 to #831 in 2023. Tavis is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tavis in 1977:
Tavis by decade
Tavis peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 88 | |
| 1970s | 507 | |
| 1980s | 419 | |
| 1990s ★ | 551 | |
| 2000s | 434 | |
| 2010s | 166 | |
| 2020s | 11 | |
💎With 2,176 total births, Tavis is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tavis?
What names sound and feel like Tavis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tavis also consider these
Common questions about the name Tavis
What does the name Tavis mean?
Tavis means "A variant of 'David', meaning 'beloved'." — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Tavis?
Tavis is currently ranked #831 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Tavis?
Tavis originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Tavis?
Tavis is a two-syllable name pronounced T AA1 V IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tavis a common or rare name?
Tavis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.