"song thrush (bird)"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
Maevis
Girl Name
#2,792 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A vintage songbird name with Celtic charm
English
Scottish
Irish
Vintage
Whimsical
Elegant
Literary
Unique
Meaning & Origin
"joy, gladness"
Origin: Celtic
Language: Welsh
The Story of Maevis
Maevis is a poetic variant spelling of Mavis, which comes from the Old French word 'mauvis,' meaning 'song thrush' — a melodious European bird celebrated for its beautiful singing. The name was popularized in literature in the 19th century, appearing in Marie Corelli's 1895 novel 'The Sorrows of Satan.' The 'ae' spelling gives it an antique Celtic visual quality while retaining the same charming sound.
The name Mavis/Maevis saw a Victorian-era heyday and then fell quiet for decades. It has been experiencing a gentle revival in the 2010s and 2020s alongside other vintage bird and nature names like Wren, Robin, and Lark, appealing to parents who love old-fashioned charm with a hint of whimsy.
In British and Celtic traditions, the song thrush (mavis) was considered a symbol of joy and spring. The name carries the gentle, musical associations of this beloved bird, making it a favorite among literary-minded parents.
Fun Facts
- The song thrush (mavis) was a beloved bird in Celtic and medieval European poetry
- Mavis Beacon, the typing software character, gave the name technological recognition in the 1980s-90s
- Marie Corelli's use of the name in 1895 helped spark its Victorian popularity
Maevis in Other Languages
Irish
Mávis
Welsh
Mavis
French
Mavis
Spanish
Mavis
Famous People Named Maevis
M
Mavis Staples
Musician
1939
American gospel and soul singer, member of the legendary Staple Singers
M
Mavis Beacon Fictional
Other
Fictional typing instructor character from the educational software 'Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing' (1987)
M
Mavis Dracula Fictional
Other
Daughter of Count Dracula in the animated Hotel Transylvania film series
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,792
- Total SSA Count
- 61
- Cultural Origins
- English Scottish Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mae
Mave
Pairs Well With
Maevis Rose
Maevis Jane
Maevis Claire
Maevis Eleanor
Maevis Louise
Maevis Grace
Maevis Wren
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Maevis and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Maevis sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Maevis
What does the name Maevis mean?
"song thrush (bird)" (from Old French). "joy, gladness" (from Celtic). Maevis is a poetic variant spelling of Mavis, which comes from the Old French word 'mauvis,' meaning 'song thrush' — a melodious European bird celebrated for its beautiful singing. The name was popularized in literature in the 19th century, appearing in Marie Corelli's 1895 novel 'The Sorrows of Satan.' The 'ae' spelling gives it an antique Celtic visual quality while retaining the same charming sound.
What is the origin of the name Maevis?
Maevis has Old French, Celtic, English, Scottish, and Irish origins. In Old French, it means "song thrush (bird)". In Celtic, it means "joy, gladness".
Is Maevis a boy or girl name?
Maevis is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Maevis?
Maevis is currently ranked #2792 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maevis?
Common nicknames for Maevis include Mae and Mave.
What are good middle names for Maevis?
Popular middle name pairings include Maevis Rose, Maevis Jane, Maevis Claire, Maevis Eleanor, Maevis Louise, Maevis Grace, and Maevis Wren.
What are good sibling names for Maevis?
Names that pair well with Maevis as siblings include Cecily, Hazel, Atticus, Jasper, Cora, Violet, and Felix.
How many syllables does Maevis have?
Maevis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maevis a common or rare name?
Maevis is an uncommon name, ranked #2792 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Maevis
Maevis is a girl name with English, Scottish, and Irish origins . The name means "song thrush (bird)" in Old French .
Maevis is currently ranked #2,792 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maevis has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maevis include Mae and Mave. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Maevis include Maeve, Maeva, Maevyn, Maeven, Maevry . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.