Mavis
Meaning of Mavis
The name Mavis, pronounced MAY-vis (/ˈmeɪ.vɪs/), is a charming and vintage choice for a baby girl. Originating from Old French, Mavis means "songbird" or "thrush," evoking images of melodic birdsong and natural beauty. This name gained popularity in the early 20th century, peaking in the 1920s and experiencing a resurgence in recent years. With its literary associations, notably appearing in works by P.G. Wodehouse and as a character in the animated film series "Hotel Transylvania," Mavis carries an air of timeless elegance and whimsy. The variation Mavys offers a unique twist on this classic name. In the United States, Mavis has seen fluctuating popularity over the decades but has been steadily climbing again since the early 2000s, ranking at 595th in 2023 with 501 occurrences. Whether you are drawn to its lyrical meaning or its historical roots, Mavis is a delightful name choice imbued with grace and character.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as MAY-vis (/ˈmeɪ.vɪs/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Mavis
| Mavis Staples is an influential American rhythm and blues and gospel singer, known for her work with The Staple Singers and her solo career, as well as her activism in the civil rights movement. |
| Mavis Lilian Batey, MBE, was a prominent British code-breaker at Bletchley Park during World War II. |
| Mavis Ada Tiller was a prominent New Zealand women's advocate, scientist, and former president of the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ). |
| Mavis Louisa Freeman, an Australian bacteriologist and biochemist, played a key role in identifying the source of Q fever alongside Macfarlane Burnet. |
| Mavis Leno - Mavis Elizabeth Nicholson Leno is an American philanthropist and the wife of Jay Leno, the former host of The Tonight Show. |
