"crossing, toll bridge operator"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
Travis
Pronunciation: [ tr-AV-ihs ]
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A rugged American classic with frontier spirit
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Meaning & Origin
"traverser, one who crosses"
Origin: Anglo-Norman
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Travis Scott, the rapper connected to the 2021 Astroworld tragedy
The Story of Travis
Travis comes from the Old French word 'traverser' meaning 'to cross,' which became an occupational surname for people who collected tolls at a bridge or river crossing. It entered the English-speaking world as a surname in medieval Britain and gradually shifted to a given name, especially popular in the American South and West.
Travis peaked in the US during the 1980s and 1990s, driven by country music's cultural influence and names like Travis Tritt. The Scottish band Travis (formed 1990) gave it UK rock credibility. Recent years have seen a slight decline, partly due to associations with rapper Travis Scott and the 2021 Astroworld Festival crowd crush tragedy.
Travis is deeply embedded in American Southern and country music culture. Travis picking is a guitar fingerpicking style popularized by Merle Travis (1917–1983), whose technique influenced generations of guitarists including Chet Atkins.
Historical Record
Travis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 296,794 babies have been named Travis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Travis is past its peak , currently ranked #362 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Travis picking — the guitar fingerpicking technique — is named after country guitarist Merle Travis
- William Barrett Travis was the commander of the Alamo in 1836, making the name iconic in Texas history
- The band Travis (Fran Healy) named themselves after the lead character in the Wim Wenders film 'Paris, Texas'
Travis in Other Languages
French
Travis
German
Travis
Italian
Traverso (related surname)
Spanish
Travis
Portuguese
Travis
Popularity Over Time
#362
Current Rank
Peaked 1979
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Travis
T
T
M
Merle Travis
Musician
1917
Country guitar legend who invented the 'Travis picking' fingerstyle technique
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #362
- Total SSA Count
- 914
- Cultural Origins
- English American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Trav
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Travis
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Travis is also used as a girl name, ranked #6347.
View Travis as a girl name →Similar Names
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English origin
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Old French origin
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Hebrew origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Travis
What does the name Travis mean?
"crossing, toll bridge operator" (from Old French). "traverser, one who crosses" (from Anglo-Norman). Travis comes from the Old French word 'traverser' meaning 'to cross,' which became an occupational surname for people who collected tolls at a bridge or river crossing. It entered the English-speaking world as a surname in medieval Britain and gradually shifted to a given name, especially popular in the American South and West.
What is the origin of the name Travis?
Travis has Old French, Anglo-Norman, English, American, and Australian origins. In Old French, it means "crossing, toll bridge operator". In Anglo-Norman, it means "traverser, one who crosses".
Is Travis a boy or girl name?
Travis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #362. As a girl name, it is ranked #6347. Travis is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Travis?
Travis is pronounced tr-AV-ihs.
How popular is the name Travis?
Travis is currently ranked #362 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Travis?
Common nicknames for Travis include Trav.
What are good middle names for Travis?
Popular middle name pairings include Travis James, Travis Lee, Travis Michael, Travis Scott, Travis Wayne, Travis Allen, and Travis Ray.
What are good sibling names for Travis?
Names that pair well with Travis as siblings include Cody, Mason, Brooke, Hayley, Dylan, Taylor, and Chase.
How many syllables does Travis have?
Travis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Travis a common or rare name?
Travis is a popular name, ranked #362 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Travis?
About the Name Travis
Travis is a boy name with English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "crossing, toll bridge operator" in Old French .
Is Travis a boy or girl name? Travis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #362 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #6,347. Travis is more commonly used as a boy name.
Travis is currently ranked #362 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Travis has 2 syllables and is pronounced tr-AV-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Travis include Trav. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Travis include Travon, Travion . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis