Holding steady.
Popularity of Orvis since 1885
Babies named Orvis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Orvis's real moment was 1885.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 13 |
| 1910s | 207 |
| 1920s | 315 |
| 1930s | 196 |
| 1940s | 131 |
| 1950s | 52 |
| 1960s | 15 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Orvis is a rare and unusual boys' name, first recorded in the United States in 1885. Its peak year of usage was also 1885, reflecting its limited historical footprint. The name has never entered the top 1,000 rankings, and in recent years its usage is so low that a per-million rate cannot be calculated. With a stable trajectory but no revival, Orvis remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with a vintage, surname-like quality. Its origins are uncertain, possibly tied to similar-sounding names like Orville or Orvin, but no definitive etymology exists. As a result, Orvis carries an air of mystery, appealing to those who appreciate rare and underused names from the late 19th century.
The name Orvis is of uncertain origin. It may derive from an English surname, possibly a variant of Orville or Orvin, which themselves stem from Old English or Norman elements. Alternatively, it could be a modern coinage based on the sound of other boys' names ending in -vis. Historically, Orvis has seen very rare and sporadic use since the 19th century, largely confined to the United States.
Sibling names for Orvis
Names that share Orvis's style, for a brother or sister.
