The name Avis has its origins in Latin and is derived from the word "avis," meaning "bird." It is believed to have been first used as a personal name during the Roman era.

In ancient Roman mythology, the bird was a symbol of freedom and represented the soul's journey after death. As such, the name Avis was often given to children with the hope that they would live a life of freedom and soar to great heights.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Avis can be found in the writings of the Roman historian Tacitus, who mentions a woman named Avis living in the 1st century AD. However, it was not until the Middle Ages that the name gained widespread popularity.

During the Middle Ages, the name Avis was often associated with members of the nobility and upper classes. One notable figure was Avis de Gevaudan, a 13th-century French noblewoman who played a significant role in the Albigensian Crusade.

In the 16th century, the name Avis was brought to England by the Norman nobility, and it gradually became more common among the English population. One of the earliest recorded instances of an Englishwoman named Avis was Avis Clifton, who lived in the late 16th century.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Avis. These include Avis Tutweiler, an American writer and educator who lived from 1841 to 1923, and Avis Dolphin, an American actress and dancer who was born in 1924 and appeared in several Broadway productions.

Another notable Avis was Avis Berman, an American writer and journalist who lived from 1919 to 1998. She was best known for her work as a foreign correspondent and for her coverage of the Vietnam War.

In the world of literature, the name Avis has been used by several authors, including Avis Dewey, an American children's book author who lived from 1892 to 1979, and Avis D. Carlson, an American writer and educator who was born in 1939.

While the name Avis may not be as common today as it once was, it remains a unique and intriguing choice with a rich history and cultural significance.