A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Avis since 1880
Babies named Avis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Avis's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 177 |
| 1890s | 392 |
| 1900s | 661 |
| 1910s | 3,091 |
| 1920s | 3,942 |
| 1930s | 2,453 |
| 1940s | 1,487 |
| 1950s | 2,198 |
| 1960s | 1,504 |
| 1970s | 593 |
| 1980s | 347 |
| 1990s | 146 |
| 2000s | 88 |
| 2010s | 79 |
| 2020s | 66 |
Meaning & origin
Avis is a name of Latin origin meaning 'bird', though some connect it to the Norman name Avice. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak rank in 1912, a time when short, simple names were fashionable. In the 1910s, Avis was commonly given, but its usage declined through the 20th century. However, since 2010, the name has been slowly rising again, reflecting a broader revival of 'old-fashioned' names. Despite its rarity today (1 in 267,878 newborns in 2025), Avis remains a distinctive choice with a natural, understated elegance.
Avis is derived from the Latin word 'avis' meaning 'bird'. It was occasionally used in medieval times, but its modern use dates from the 19th century, possibly influenced by the Latin phrase 'avis rara' (rare bird). Another theory suggests it is a feminine given name from the Norman name Avice, associated with Saint Avice.
Where Avis is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Avi, Ava
Variants: Avice
Sibling names for Avis
Names that share Avis's style, for a brother or sister.
