Jarvis is a surname of English origin that has been used as a given name in recent years. The name is derived from the Middle English word "Gerard," which means "spear-brave" or "strong with a spear." This name was originally given to individuals who were brave and courageous, especially those who had proven themselves in battle.
The use of Jarvis as a given name began to gain popularity in the United States during the late 19th century. It is believed that the name was brought over by English settlers who wanted to honor their heritage by naming their children after traditional English names. The name has since become more popular and is now considered a unisex name, although it is still more commonly used for boys.
One of the most famous people with the name Jarvis is actor Jarvis Cocker, who rose to fame as the lead singer of the British rock band Pulp in the 1990s. Other notable individuals with the name include American football coach Jarvis Bryant and English cricketer Jarvis Martin.
Despite its English origins, Jarvis has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Today, it is considered a unique and distinctive name that stands out from more common names like James or John. Its meanings of bravery and strength make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a strong and powerful-sounding name for their child.
The name Jarvis has a rich history of usage in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over time. The earliest record of the name dates back to 1882 when there were 6 births registered with this moniker.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of births with the name Jarvis remained relatively low, ranging from 5 to 20 annually. However, starting in the mid-1970s, we observe a significant increase in its usage. In 1975 alone, there were 187 births recorded for the name Jarvis, marking the beginning of an upward trend that continued throughout the decade.
The peak popularity of the name Jarvis occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Between 1988 and 1993, there were over 600 births annually with the name Jarvis, reaching an all-time high of 634 births in 1989.
Since then, the popularity of the name Jarvis has declined steadily but remained relatively consistent. Even today, it continues to be used in newborn registrations, with approximately 100 births recorded each year.
In total, over the course of more than a century (from 1882 to 2023), there have been a total of 17,595 babies named Jarvis in the United States. This demonstrates that while its popularity has ebbed and flowed over time, the name Jarvis has maintained consistent usage throughout American history.