Mavis is a name that has been around for a long time, with roots dating back to medieval England. The name is derived from the Old French word “mauvis,” which means “song thrush,” a bird known for its beautiful singing voice. Mavis has been used as a given name for girls since the late 19th century, and it has remained a popular choice for parents ever since.
The popularity of the name Mavis peaked in the United States during the 1920s, but it has since declined somewhat. Despite this, Mavis remains a beloved name for many parents, who appreciate its simple yet elegant sound. The name is often associated with qualities like beauty, grace, and strength, and it is a popular choice for parents who want to give their daughters a name that is both timeless and unique.
Origin and Historical Use
French Origin
The name Mavis has a French origin and is derived from the Old French term “mauvis,” meaning the bird ‘song thrush’ [1]. The name is also related to the French word for strawberries, “mefus” [3].
British Usage
Mavis was first used as a given name by the British author Marie Corelli, who used it for a character in her novel The Sorrows of Satan (1895) [2]. The character’s name was Mavis Clare, and it was said to be “rather odd but suitable,” as “she sings quite as sweetly as any thrush” [1]. The name Mavis became popular in the UK during the 1920s and 1930s but has since become less common.
Greek Influence
In Greek, the name Mavis means ‘joy’ [4]. Although the name’s origin is French, the Greek influence on the name’s meaning is noteworthy.
Welsh Connection
Mavis is also a relative of the Welsh word for strawberries, “mefus” [3]. This connection between the Welsh and French languages highlights the historical influence of language on naming practices.
Old French and Mauvis
The name Mavis is derived from the Old French term “mauvis,” meaning the bird ‘song thrush’ [1]. The name was first used as a given name by the British author Marie Corelli, who used it for a character in her novel The Sorrows of Satan (1895) [2]. The character’s name was Mavis Clare, and it was said to be “rather odd but suitable,” as “she sings quite as sweetly as any thrush” [1].
Overall, the name Mavis has a rich historical and linguistic background, with influences from French, Welsh, and Greek. Its popularity has fluctuated over time, but it remains a classic name with a timeless charm.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mavis [2] https://www.behindthename.com/name/mavis [3] https://nameberry.com/babyname/mavis [4] https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/mavis/Popularity Over the Years
The popularity of the name Mavis has fluctuated over the years. In this section, we will explore how the name has fared over the past century.
1920s Popularity
Mavis was at the height of its popularity in the 1920s. It was a top 100 name for baby girls in the United States during that decade. In fact, it was the 68th most popular name in 1926, according to Behind the Name. The name’s popularity during this time can be attributed to its association with the song thrush, a bird known for its melodious singing.
50-Year Absence
After the 1920s, the popularity of the name Mavis declined significantly. By the 1960s, it had fallen out of favor and was no longer a common name for baby girls. This decline can be seen in birth chart data from the Social Security Administration, which shows that the name was given to fewer than 100 babies per year in the United States from the 1970s through the 1990s.
Current State
In recent years, the name Mavis has experienced a small resurgence in popularity. According to Behind the Name, it was given to 259 baby girls in the United States in 2020, making it the 759th most popular name for girls that year. While it is still not as common as it was in the 1920s, it is slowly regaining popularity.
In summary, the name Mavis was once a popular choice for baby girls in the United States, but it fell out of favor for several decades. However, it has recently started to make a comeback and is once again being chosen by some parents for their daughters.
Literary References
Marie Corelli’s Influence
Mavis is a name with a literary heritage. Its first modern usage was in Marie Corelli’s 1895 novel The Sorrows of Satan, which featured a character named Mavis Clare. Corelli’s influence on the popularity of the name cannot be overstated. She was one of the most popular and successful writers of her time, and her novels were widely read in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Mavis Clare
Mavis Clare, the character from The Sorrows of Satan, was described as “rather odd but suitable”, as “she sings quite as sweetly as any thrush”. The name Mavis was chosen because it means “songbird”. The character was well-received by readers, and the name Mavis became increasingly popular in the years following the novel’s publication.
Mavis Gallant
Another notable literary figure with the name Mavis is Canadian writer Mavis Gallant. She was born in Montreal in 1922 and is best known for her short stories. Gallant’s work has been praised for its wit, intelligence, and insight into human nature. She received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Order of Canada and the PEN/Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature.
In conclusion, the name Mavis has a rich literary history, with notable figures like Marie Corelli and Mavis Gallant contributing to its popularity and cultural significance. The character of Mavis Clare from The Sorrows of Satan is particularly notable for her association with the name, which has since become a beloved choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their children.
Mavis in Popular Culture
Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples is an American gospel and soul singer who was born in 1939. She is best known for being a member of the Staple Singers, a family gospel group that had several hits in the 1960s and 1970s. Mavis Staples has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has won several Grammy Awards. Her music has been an inspiration to many people, and she continues to be a popular figure in the music industry.
Mavis Leno
Mavis Leno is an American philanthropist and the wife of Jay Leno, the former host of The Tonight Show. She is known for her work with the Feminist Majority Foundation, an organization that works to promote women’s rights around the world. Mavis Leno has also been involved in several other charitable organizations, including the Afghan Women’s Mission and the National Organization for Women.
Mavis Beacon
Mavis Beacon is a fictional character who is the namesake of a popular typing software program. The program was first released in 1987 and has since become a staple in schools and offices around the world. Mavis Beacon is portrayed as a friendly and helpful teacher who guides users through the process of learning to type.
Mavis Dracula
Mavis Dracula is a fictional character from the Hotel Transylvania film series. She is the daughter of Dracula and is voiced by Selena Gomez. Mavis is a fun-loving and adventurous character who is always looking for new experiences. She is also fiercely loyal to her family and friends.
Mavis Vermillion
Mavis Vermillion is a fictional character from the anime and manga series Fairy Tail. She is the founder and first master of the Fairy Tail guild. Mavis is known for her intelligence and strategic thinking, as well as her kind and caring personality. She is a beloved figure among the members of the guild and is often called upon for advice and guidance.
Overall, the name Mavis has been used in a variety of ways in popular culture. From music to software to film and television, the name has become a recognizable and beloved part of our cultural landscape.
Names Similar to Mavis
If you like the name Mavis, there are a lot of other names that you might also enjoy. Here are a few similar names to consider:
Mila and Lia
Mila and Lia are both names that have a similar sound to Mavis. Mila is a Slavic name that means “gracious” or “dear,” while Lia is a shortened form of the name Amelia, which means “work.” Both of these names are simple and elegant, just like Mavis.
Maeve and Mae
Maeve and Mae are both names that have a similar vibe to Mavis. Maeve is an Irish name that means “intoxicating,” while Mae is a shortened form of the name Margaret, which means “pearl.” Both of these names are short and sweet, just like Mavis.
Maci and Mab
Maci and Mab are both names that have a similar feel to Mavis. Maci is a modern name that is a variation of the name Macy, which means “weapon,” while Mab is an old English name that means “joy.” Both of these names are unique and playful, just like Mavis.
Overall, there are many names that are similar to Mavis in terms of sound, style, and meaning. Whether you prefer short and sweet names like Mae or playful names like Maci, there is sure to be a name on this list that catches your eye.
Symbolism and Numerology
Songbird and Hope
The name Mavis is derived from the Old World song thrush, also known as a songbird. The song thrush is a symbol of hope in adversity, as it sings beautifully even in the midst of difficult circumstances. In Celtic mythology, the Mavis bird represents a messenger of love and the spirit of the forest, further adding to the name’s symbolism of hope and positivity.
Purple and Adversity
The color purple is often associated with royalty, luxury, and power. However, it is also a color that represents adversity and challenges. In numerology, the number 1 is associated with new beginnings, leadership, and independence. The combination of the name Mavis and the color purple suggests a person who is strong, resilient, and able to overcome obstacles with grace and dignity.
Numerology
In numerology, the name Mavis has a personality number of 1. This number is associated with creativity, leadership, and independence. People with this number are often confident, ambitious, and driven, with a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in the world. The name Mavis also has a destiny number of 6, which is associated with love, harmony, and balance. People with this number are often nurturing, caring, and supportive, with a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to create a peaceful, harmonious environment for themselves and those around them.
Overall, the name Mavis is a powerful and meaningful name that is rich in symbolism and numerology. It represents hope, positivity, and resilience in the face of adversity, and is associated with creativity, leadership, and independence in numerology.
Pronunciation and Variations
When it comes to pronouncing the name Mavis, there are a few variations to keep in mind. Let’s take a closer look at some of the different ways that people might pronounce this name, as well as some of the variations that you might come across.
Mav and Vis
One common variation that you might hear is to pronounce the name as two separate parts: “Mav” and “Vis.” This can be a helpful way to break down the name and make it easier to say, especially if you’re not familiar with it.
Mavys and Vee
Another variation that you might encounter is to add an “s” to the end of the name, resulting in “Mavys.” This can be a cute and playful way to refer to someone with this name, and it can also be used as a nickname.
Another variation is to use the letter “V” instead of “M” at the beginning of the name, resulting in “Vee.” This can also be a cute and playful nickname.
Sign Language
In American Sign Language (ASL), the name Mavis can be signed by combining the signs for “M” and “Bird.” To sign “M,” make a fist with your hand and then extend your thumb and pinky finger. To sign “Bird,” make your hand into the shape of a bird’s beak and then flap your fingers.
Overall, the pronunciation and variations of the name Mavis can vary depending on the person and the context. Whether you choose to use the full name or a nickname, it’s a lovely name with a rich history and meaning.