A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Mavis since 1893
Babies named Mavis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 58 |
| 1900s | 235 |
| 1910s | 1,708 |
| 1920s | 5,529 |
| 1930s | 4,508 |
| 1940s | 2,697 |
| 1950s | 1,722 |
| 1960s | 987 |
| 1970s | 335 |
| 1980s | 176 |
| 1990s | 131 |
| 2000s | 128 |
| 2010s | 2,097 |
| 2020s | 2,704 |
Meaning & origin
Mavis is a vintage name that enjoyed its peak popularity in 1927 when it ranked highest. After a long decline, it has been rising again since 1998, appealing to parents seeking a classic yet uncommon name. In 2025, it ranked 560th with approximately 1 in 2,993 babies receiving the name, a notable resurgence from its nadir. The name is most popular in states like North Dakota, Montana, and New Mexico, reflecting a regional preference for traditional names. Its revival fits a broader trend of early 20th-century names making a comeback, offering a balance of familiarity and rarity.
Mavis is derived from the French word 'mauvis', referring to the song thrush, a bird known for its melodious song. The name was first used as a given name in the 19th century, coinciding with the Victorian fashion for nature-inspired names. It gained some popularity in the early 20th century but declined after the 1920s before seeing a revival in recent decades.
Where Mavis 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.
“Mavis” around the world
Where Mavis lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mav, Mavy
Sibling names for Mavis
Names that share Mavis's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Iris, Hazel, Violet, Pearl, Ruby, Ardis, Aretha, Delois, Marva, Melva, Drema, Marshell, Ardeth, Glenice, Glenis, Wynonna, Dalis, Glennys, Lavaun, Mardee, Nayvie, Philis, Avonne, Grisell, Alveta, Ardel, Ardine, Challis, Cresta, Laruth, Lenis, Linnell, Lynore, Marvia, Mava, Maysel, Mliss, Novis, Vanice, Venida
Brothers: Walter, Arthur, George, Raymond, Ernest, Carver, Marvell, Merle, Milford, Arlis, Arliss, Carlis, Collis, Demaris, Kerwin, Marvis, Pernell, Prentis, Tanis, Vernal, Wendall, Arville, Clois, Darvis, Delford, Donis, Hillis, Lamond, Leodis, Levert, Marvens, Melven, Nelvin, Tarvis, Dervin, Glendal, Hyland, Lanis, Marvyn, Rabon, Ranson, Verdis, Verland, Merlon, Alvon, Byford, Fairley, Ferron, Gailen, Glenroy, Guerry, Lannis, Levaughn, Marvion, Meril, Merland, Rawson, Roddie, Sargent, Tellis, Ulice, Voris, Winfrey
