Mavis is a unique and distinct feminine given name of Welsh origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Wales.
The name Mavis comes from the ancient Welsh word 'maw' which means 'small'. It is believed to have been used as a nickname for girls who were considered petite or delicate in stature. Over time, the name has evolved and become more popular, but it remains less common than many other feminine names.
Historically, the use of Mavis can be traced back to medieval Wales where it was likely given to young girls within families or communities. The name may have also been used as a pet form of the Welsh name Marged, which is the Welsh equivalent of Margaret.
Mavis gained some popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was often chosen by parents who were looking for a unique yet recognizable name for their daughters. Today, Mavis remains relatively rare but continues to be used as a given name, particularly in Wales and among families with Welsh heritage.
In terms of its usage in popular culture, Mavis has been the subject of various notable references throughout literature, music, film, and television. For instance, American jazz singer Mabel Mercer was known by her stage name, Mavis. Similarly, the character Mavis Gary, played by Charlize Theron in the 2011 film 'Young Adult', is named after the author's own childhood nanny who had the name Mavis.
In conclusion, Mavis is a distinctive and historic Welsh feminine given name with a unique meaning and compelling history. Although not as widely used today compared to many other names, it remains an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that is both recognizable and uncommon.
The name Mavis has been given to girls born in the United States since at least 1893, with a total of 21,939 births recorded up until 2023. The number of babies named Mavis varied greatly over the years, ranging from just one birth in certain years to hundreds in others.
In the early 1900s, the name Mavis started to gain some popularity, with more than ten births per year being recorded between 1906 and 1923. The peak of this trend occurred in 1924, when 581 baby girls were named Mavis. This high point was followed by a steady decline in the usage of the name throughout the remainder of the century.
By the 1970s, only around twenty to forty babies were being named Mavis each year. This downward trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with fewer than fifteen births per year recorded during these decades.
However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Mavis. In 2013, 166 babies were named Mavis, marking the beginning of an upward trend that continued through to 2023, with 501 births recorded in that year alone.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Mavis has remained a part of American naming culture for well over a century. It is interesting to note that while the name's usage has changed dramatically in terms of frequency, it has maintained a consistent presence in the United States throughout many generations.