Mavis
Mavis is a girl name of English origin meaning “Song thrush”, pronounced MAY-vis. It ranked #561 in the United States in 2025, given to 537 babies, and peaked at #270 in 1927. Common nicknames: Mave, Mavi.
How popular is Mavis in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Mavis mean, and where does it come from?
Mavis is an old English and French word for the song thrush — mauvis — and it became a name in 1895, when Marie Corelli used it for the heroine of The Sorrows of Satan, then the best-selling novel in English. American birth records show it from 1893 and it entered the top thousand two years later, peaking in 1927. It faded almost entirely and is rising again now, in the company of Hazel, Pearl and Iris. Mavis Staples has carried it through sixty years of gospel and soul.
How is Mavis used around the world?
Mavis is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Mavis?
Famous People Named Mavis
- Mavis Staples — American gospel and soul singer
- Mavis Gallant — Canadian short-story writer
- Mavis Batey — British codebreaker at Bletchley Park and garden historian
Similar Names to Mavis
If you like Mavis, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Mavis
Looking for names that pair well with Mavis? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Mavis mean?
Mavis is a girl name of English origin meaning "Song thrush." Mavis is an old English and French word for the song thrush — mauvis — and it became a name in 1895, when Marie Corelli used it for the heroine of The Sorrows of Satan, then the best-selling novel in English. American birth records show it from 1893 and it entered the top thousand two years later, peaking in 1927.
How do you pronounce Mavis?
Mavis is pronounced MAY-vis. Common variations include Mavys, Maeve, Mavise.
Is Mavis a girl name?
Yes, Mavis is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Mave, Mavi.