"song thrush, songbird"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
Mavis
Pronunciation: [ m-AYV-ihs ]
Girl Name
#566 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
A vintage songbird name with Victorian charm
English
Scottish
American
Vintage
Whimsical
Elegant
Literary
Meaning & Origin
"sweet singer"
Origin: Middle English via French
Language: English
The Story of Mavis
Mavis derives from the Old French 'mauvis', the name for the song thrush, a small bird celebrated for its melodious and complex singing. The word entered Middle English through Norman French and was used as both a word for the bird and poetically as a woman's name by the late 19th century. The Scots poet William Sharp (writing as 'Fiona Macleod') is credited with introducing Mavis as a given name in his 1894 novel.
Mavis was popular in Britain from the 1900s through the 1940s, then fell out of fashion. In the 2010s it staged a comeback as part of the vintage name revival, joining Mabel, Edith, and Hazel as charming old-fashioned names getting fresh appreciation from modern parents.
In English and Scottish tradition, the song thrush (mavis) was beloved for its complex, repeated song — considered one of nature's most beautiful sounds. A name meaning 'songbird' carried poetic associations with beauty, voice, and the natural world that made it a fitting choice for a beloved daughter.
Fun Facts
- The song thrush is famous for smashing snail shells on rocks to eat them — earning it the nickname 'snail hawk'
- Mavis Beacon, the iconic typing tutor software mascot, kept the name in public consciousness through the 1990s and 2000s
- The name Mavis appears in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula as a minor character
Mavis in Other Languages
Irish
Mavis
Welsh
Mavis
French
Mauvis
English
Mavis
Scottish
Mavis
Famous People Named Mavis
M
Mavis Staples
Musician
1939
American gospel, soul, and R&B singer and civil rights activist, member of the legendary Staple Singers
M
Mavis Beacon Fictional
Other
The fictional face of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, the enormously popular typing software that taught a generation to ty...
The fictional face of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, the enormously popular typing software that taught a generation to type
M
Mavis Dracula Fictional
Other
The teenage daughter of Dracula in the Hotel Transylvania animated film series, voiced by Selena Gomez
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #566
- Total SSA Count
- 532
- Cultural Origins
- English Scottish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mave
Mavie
Pairs Well With
Mavis June
Mavis Pearl
Mavis Rose
Mavis Grace
Mavis Irene
Mavis Louise
Mavis Jean
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Mavis is also used as a boy name, ranked #33465.
View Mavis as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mavis
What does the name Mavis mean?
"song thrush, songbird" (from Old French). "sweet singer" (from Middle English via French). Mavis derives from the Old French 'mauvis', the name for the song thrush, a small bird celebrated for its melodious and complex singing. The word entered Middle English through Norman French and was used as both a word for the bird and poetically as a woman's name by the late 19th century. The Scots poet William Sharp (writing as 'Fiona Macleod') is credited with introducing Mavis as a given name in his 1894 novel.
What is the origin of the name Mavis?
Mavis has Old French, Middle English via French, English, Scottish, and American origins. In Old French, it means "song thrush, songbird". In Middle English via French, it means "sweet singer".
Is Mavis a boy or girl name?
Mavis is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #566. As a boy name, it is ranked #33465. Mavis is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mavis?
Mavis is pronounced m-AYV-ihs.
How popular is the name Mavis?
Mavis is currently ranked #566 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mavis?
Common nicknames for Mavis include Mave and Mavie.
What are good middle names for Mavis?
Popular middle name pairings include Mavis June, Mavis Pearl, Mavis Rose, Mavis Grace, Mavis Irene, Mavis Louise, and Mavis Jean.
What are good sibling names for Mavis?
Names that pair well with Mavis as siblings include Hattie, Clive, Olive, Clarence, Blythe, Sylvester, and Hazel.
How many syllables does Mavis have?
Mavis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mavis a common or rare name?
Mavis is moderately common, ranked #566 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Mavis
Mavis is a girl name with English, Scottish, and American origins . The name means "song thrush, songbird" in Old French .
Is Mavis a boy or girl name? Mavis is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #566 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #33,465. Mavis is more commonly used as a girl name.
Mavis is currently ranked #566 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mavis has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AYV-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mavis include Mave and Mavie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Mavis include Mavie, Mavi . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.