Find out how popular the first name Tavis has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tavis by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Tavis is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Tavis being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Tavis.

The history of the first name Tavis

The name Tavis is believed to have originated from the Welsh language, where it is a variant spelling of the name Travis. The name Travis itself is derived from the French place name Tréveray or Trèvres, which comes from the Gaulish word "travers," meaning "crossing" or "thoroughfare."

In its earliest recorded use, the name Tavis appeared in medieval Welsh records and chronicles, often associated with individuals from noble or prominent families in Wales. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Tavis ap Rhys, a Welsh nobleman who lived in the 12th century and was known for his role in the conflicts between the Welsh and the Normans.

The name Tavis gained wider recognition in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, when it was adopted by English families who were drawn to its Welsh origins and perceived as a distinctive and fashionable name. One notable figure from this period was Tavis Gedde (1558-1631), an English poet and playwright who was part of the literary circle around Shakespeare.

As the name spread across the British Isles, it also found its way to the American colonies, where it became popular among families of Welsh and English descent. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in America was Tavis Browne (1654-1719), a merchant and landowner in colonial Virginia.

Throughout the centuries, the name Tavis has been borne by various individuals from different walks of life. Some notable examples include Tavis Smiley (born 1964), an American broadcaster, author, and political commentator; Tavis Ormandy (1901-1985), a renowned American conductor and violinist; and Tavis Beene (born 1973), an American fashion designer.

Another noteworthy figure was Tavis Stockman (1826-1903), an English artist and illustrator who was known for his illustrations of works by Charles Dickens and other Victorian authors. The name has also been associated with academic and literary figures, such as Tavis J. Anderson (1922-2003), an American historian and author who specialized in the history of the American West.

While the name Tavis has its roots in the Welsh language and culture, it has transcended its origins and has been embraced by individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, becoming a part of the rich tapestry of human names and identities.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Tavis was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tavis, please contact us.

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