This post was originally published on May 17, 2010. It was substantially revised and re-posted on September 18, 2015.
She’s the adorable vampiress at the heart of the Hotel Transylvania movies.
Thanks to Elle and Urban Angel for suggesting Mavis as our Baby Name of the Day.
Mavis: Stylish in the 20th Century
Mavis made waves in the early twentieth century.
Credit goes to author British Marie Corelli. She was probably the first to use this as a given name. Her 1895 bestseller The Sorrows of Satan told of penniless writer tempted with riches. The hero ultimately chooses simplicity – along with the love of a good woman, Mavis.
The novel was a bestseller, and Mavis debuted in the US Top 1000 that same year.
DW Griffith made a movie version in 1926. Carol Dempster played the virtuous female lead. By then, the name had risen to #280. Names like Mae and Mabel were firmly established favorites for girls in the era, so Mavis fit right in.
The name peaked at #270 in 1927, and soon started falling. It left the US Top 1000 entirely after 1963, and bordered on extinction. In 1999, it was given to just nine girls.
Mavis: A Name That Soared
The song thrush is also known as the throstle and the mavis. The name comes from the French mauvis. The bird has an appealing song, and is much referenced in poetry – possibly Corelli’s inspiration.
Plenty of women were given the name from 1895 through the 1960s, including:
- The Staple Singers’ Mavis Staples, known for 1970s hits like “I’ll Take You There,” as well as her role in the civil rights movement.
- In the 1980s, a popular learn-to-type software was called Mavis Beacon Typing Tutor, named after Ms. Staples.
- It’s the first name of philanthropist Mrs. Jay Leno.
- Britcom actress Mavis Pugh was known for many memorable roles.
- Maybird Tate was an early twentieth century British politician and suffragette who preferred Mavis as a nickname.
- There’s an engine in Thomas the Tank Engine.
- Marvel has given the name to a handful of villains.
- Australia’s The Mavis Bramston Show was a 1960s favorite. The title character was thoroughly unlikable.
- Coronation Street had a series regular by the name from the 1970s through the 1990s.
- Michael Moorcock’s Dancers at the End of Time sci-fi series includes Miss Mavis Ming.
The name must have been fashionable in Asia in the 1970s. Singers Mavis Fan of Taiwan and Mavis Hee of Singapore both wear the name.
Mavis: Dracula’s Darling Daughter
In 2012, we met the residents of Hotel Transylvania. Count Dracula built the hotel after his wife was killed by an angry mob. It’s a safe place for monsters of all kinds, and it’s the setting for Drac’s daughter’s 118th birthday bash.
Mavis wants to see the world, but Drac’s overprotective. But then human Johnny stumbles into the hotel on the eve of the big party, and sparks fly between the two.
Since the 2012 release, Mavis has gone from obscure – just 43 girls given the name that year – to revival-ready.
By 2014, there were 231 newborn Mavises.
Mavis: Revival-Ready?
It isn’t just Hotel Transylvania boosting the name, though a young Mavis has definitely helped.
The name also shares sounds with chart-topping Ava, and up-and-coming Maeve. Plus the ‘s’ sound ending is heard in lots of vintage charmers, from Alice to Frances.
Possible nickname Mavy – used by Drac in the film – has quite a bit of appeal.
If you’re looking for a vintage name that’s on the cusp of revival, Mavis is one to consider.
What do you think of Mavis? Is this name ready for revival?
I am one of the few Mavises born in the 1980s. People in real life typically thought my name was adorable and cool. Yesterday, I was asked if I am Mavis Beacon (ha). Growing up, people sometimes thought my name came from nowhere, like an odd combine of letters. Few even won’t believe that Mavis was indeed my real name. The nice thing about “Mavis”, for me, is that it is not a long name to spell and can be carried well because it does have a certain charm suitable for good jokes and songs. That’s my cent as one of the Mavises. 🙂
I can’t get on board with this one either. Mavis makes me think of the computer program for typing from the 90s.
This entry is incomplete.
I love it.
My husband will hate it.
It’s the story of my life.
Thanks so much for this! I love my great Aunt and have always had a soft place in my heart for this name. 🙂
I just looked in my weekly newspaper & there was actually a Mavis in it. Talk about coincidence !