Mavis
MAY-vihs
Mavis comes from the Old French mauvis, a word for the song thrush, a small bird known for its melodious singing. The name was adopted as a given name in the late 19th century as part of the Victorian fashion for nature and bird names.
The name was popularised in the English-speaking world by Marie Corelli’s novel The Sorrows of Satan (1895), which featured a character named Mavis Clare. The literary connection helped establish it as a genuine given name.
Mavis peaked at No. 270 in 1927 with 603 births. In 2024 it stands at No. 566 with 532 births, well into a modern vintage revival.
What the name Mavis means
The name is associated with blues singer Mavis Staples (1939-), a civil rights activist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee whose long career has kept the name culturally visible and respected.
Two syllables — MAY-vis — with stress on the first beat. The name has a warm, slightly quirky quality that has become stylish again as grandparent names return to fashion.
Parents drawn to Mavis often want a genuine vintage name with bird associations and a musical connection that feels distinctive without being unusual to the point of confusion.
No significant spelling variants exist. Mavis is used in one standard form, which reinforces its identity as a classic that doesn’t require modification.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Mavis
Mavis - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity