Travers is a unique and distinctive name of English origin, derived from the Old French word "traverse," which means "to cross." It has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout history.
The name Travers is believed to have originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a surveyor or cartographer. In medieval times, these professionals were responsible for measuring and mapping out lands and properties. The term "traverse" was used to describe the process of determining the distance between two points by measuring the angles and distances of the intermediate points.
Over time, Travers became more commonly used as a given name rather than just a surname. It gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century and continues to be recognized today as an uncommon yet memorable name choice for boys.
Some famous individuals with the name Travers include the American actor Christopher Travers, best known for his role in the television series "One Life to Live," and the British writer Peter Travers, who has contributed to various publications such as Rolling Stone magazine. While these notable figures have helped popularize the name Travers, it remains relatively rare compared to more common names like John or Michael.
In summary, Travers is an English name with an interesting occupational origin. As a surname, it likely belonged to surveyors and cartographers, while today it is primarily used as a given name for boys. With its unique meaning and historical background, Travers stands out as an uncommon yet compelling choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Travers has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States, with periods of relative high and low occurrence.
From 1914 to 1924, there were fewer than ten births per year with this name, with only five occurrences each year from 1914 to 1918. However, starting in 1971, the number of babies named Travers began to rise steadily. Between 1971 and 1980, there were an average of fifteen births per year with this name.
The peak popularity for the name Travers occurred between 1975 and 1984, during which time at least ten babies were named Travers each year. The highest number of births in any single year was recorded in 1980, with twenty babies being given the name Travers.
After 1984, the popularity of the name began to decline again. From 1985 to 2017, there were an average of seven births per year with this name. The most recent data available shows that in 2021, six babies were named Travers.
In total, over the years from 1914 to 2021, there have been a total of 395 recorded births with the name Travers in the United States. While this name may not be one of the most popular choices today, its history shows periods of popularity and steady occurrence throughout the twentieth century.