What does Travis mean and where does it come from?
The name Travis is derived from the Old French name 'travers' which means 'to cross' or 'crossing'. Initially, it was primarily used as a surname before becoming popular as a first name in the 20th century. The name has been more commonly adopted for males, but it has also seen usage as a female nam
Cultural significance
Travis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #1360 in 1983 — currently #379 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Travis?
Travis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Travis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Travis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Travis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Travis Claire
French influence · crisp
Travis Jane
Literary · strong
Travis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Travis right now?
Holding steady — currently #379 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #379 | 846 | ▲ up 3 |
| 2022 | #382 | 848 | ▼ down 1 |
| 2021 | #381 | 848 | ▲ up 8799 · +8380% births |
| 2000 | #9180 | 10 | ▼ down 2907 · -29% births |
| 1995 | #6273 | 14 | ▼ down 2974 · -58% births |
| 1990 | #3299 | 33 | ▼ down 1650 · -54% births |
| 1985 | #1649 | 71 | ▼ down 229 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #1420 | 86 | ▲ up 517 · +87% births |
| 1975 | #1937 | 46 | ▲ up 650 · +64% births |
| 1970 | #2587 | 28 | ▲ up 1385 · +155% births |
| 1965 | #3972 | 11 | ▲ up 825 · +38% births |
| 1960 | #4797 | 8 | ▲ up 1067 · +60% births |
| 1955 | #5864 | 5 | ▼ down 1519 · -29% births |
| 1950 | #4345 | 7 | ▼ down 2093 · -53% births |
| 1945 | #2252 | 15 | — |
The story of Travis
Travis entered American naming records in 1910 and has been in use for over 114 years. More than 306,438 babies have been named Travis since 1910. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2432 in 1910 to #379 in 2023. Travis is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Travis in 1983:
Travis by decade
Travis peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 76 | |
| 1890s | 97 | |
| 1900s | 194 | |
| 1910s | 1,515 | |
| 1920s | 2,568 | |
| 1930s | 3,270 | |
| 1940s | 3,708 | |
| 1950s | 3,988 | |
| 1960s | 12,770 | |
| 1970s | 64,656 | |
| 1980s ★ | 103,688 | |
| 1990s | 68,349 | |
| 2000s | 25,754 | |
| 2010s | 14,854 | |
| 2020s | 951 | |
What are good nicknames for Travis?
Common
TraTravTravieTravyAvis
What names sound and feel like Travis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Travis also consider these
Common questions about the name Travis
What does the name Travis mean?
Travis means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Travis?
Travis is currently ranked #379 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Travis?
Travis originates from American tradition. American 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 Travis?
Travis is a two-syllable name pronounced T R AE1 V IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Travis more of a girl or boy name?
Travis is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.