Avis
Avis is a girl's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Bird.
Origin and history
Avis is a feminine given name derived from the Latin word for bird, though it may also have Old German roots related to desired or wished-for. Popular in the early-to-mid 20th century in the United States, it has become a vintage rarity in recent years. Today, it offers a distinct, classic alternative to other bird-inspired nature names like Ava or Wren.
Popularity in the United States
17,224 babies in the United States have been named Avis since 1880. It ranks #1162 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2035.
States where it is most popular
- TX (7.3 %)
- MN (6.3 %)
- NC (5.4 %)
- NY (5.3 %)
- GA (4.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 177 |
| 1890-1900 | 392 |
| 1900-1910 | 661 |
| 1910-1920 | 3,091 |
| 1920-1930 | 3,942 |
| 1930-1940 | 2,453 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,487 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,198 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,504 |
| 1970-1980 | 593 |
| 1980-1990 | 347 |
| 1990-2000 | 146 |
| 2000-2010 | 88 |
| 2010-2019 | 79 |
| 2020-2029 | 66 |
Famous people named Avis
- Avis DeVoto: editor, book reviewer
- Avis Landone: actress
Fun facts
- Avis directly translates to bird in Latin, making it one of the earliest recorded avian names used in the English-speaking world.
- The name reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1910s and 1920s before becoming a modern rarity.