Declining since 1989, #434 for boys today.
Popularity of Travis since 1880
Babies named Travis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1989, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Travis's real moment was 1979.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 76 |
| 1890s | 97 |
| 1900s | 194 |
| 1910s | 1,437 |
| 1920s | 2,461 |
| 1930s | 3,188 |
| 1940s | 3,580 |
| 1950s | 3,898 |
| 1960s | 12,600 |
| 1970s | 64,103 |
| 1980s | 102,927 |
| 1990s | 68,208 |
| 2000s | 25,737 |
| 2010s | 14,898 |
| 2020s | 5,167 |
Meaning & origin
Travis is an English name with occupational roots, originally referring to a toll collector or keeper of a bridge crossing. Its use as a first name took off in the United States during the mid-20th century, rising steeply through the 1960s and 1970s. The name hit its peak popularity in 1979, when it reached its highest rank on the U.S. charts. Since 1989, however, its usage has steadily declined; by 2025 it ranks 434th, with approximately 1 in every 2,333 newborn boys receiving the name. Geographically, Travis has seen its strongest relative popularity in states such as Mississippi, Connecticut, and Kentucky. The name shares a classic, surname-style sensibility with other mid-century choices like Curtis, Stephen, and Darryl.
Travis is an English surname derived from the Old French 'travers', meaning 'crossing' or 'toll road', and originally referred to someone who collected tolls at a bridge or crossroads. It was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. As a given name, it gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1970s.
Where Travis is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Travis” around the world
Where Travis lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Quebec
9
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Trav, T
Variants: Travers
Sibling names for Travis
Names that share Travis's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Allison, Lauren, Megan, Kelsey, Brittany, Heather, Tracy, Kourtney, Shelbi, Tamera, Amberlee, Brittnee, Leighanne, Taunya, Krystalyn, Marlayna, Tawnie, Tram, Trany, Crystalynn, Karrissa, Samanda, Tamula, Teralyn, Tracye, Trannie, Travia, Trella, Trenia, Trinia, Errika, Krystl, Shalae, Tiffine, Tracina, Trana, Trinna, Tyrea, Tyronza
Brothers: Curtis, Stephen, Darryl, Phillip, Steven, Kurtis, Lamar, Tyrese, Jarrad, Jerrad, Ranger, Roddrick, Tarence, Tarrance, Tarrence, Tarvis, Timothey, Tramel, Travell, Travin, Kentrail, Travas, Travious, Treon, Datron, Jarrette, Jontay, Kelvis, Terrall, Travian, Travoris
Names like Travis
Names whose popularity has moved with Travis's over the last 50 years.
