Meaning, origin, history
The name Travis is of Scottish origin and means "to cross" or "stride across". It is derived from the surname Travers which was originally an English topographic surname for someone who lived near a river crossing. The name Travis gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, but it has been used as a given name since at least the 18th century.
The name Travis is believed to have been brought to North America by Scottish immigrants who settled in the southern states of the US. It was also popular among early settlers in Texas, where several notable historical figures bore the name, including William Barret Travis, a hero of the Battle of the Alamo.
Today, Travis is considered a unisex name but it is more commonly used for boys. It has been used as a given name by numerous celebrities and public figures, including actors Travis Fimmel and Travis Scott, and musician Travis Barker. Despite its Scottish origins, Travis is now used worldwide and has become particularly popular in English-speaking countries.
In terms of its popularity, the name Travis peaked in the US during the 1980s and 1990s when it was consistently ranked among the top 100 names for boys. While its popularity has since declined somewhat, it remains a common choice for parents looking for a strong and distinctive name for their sons.
Overall, the name Travis is of Scottish origin and means "to cross" or "stride across". It has a long history of use as both a given name and surname, and has been particularly popular in the United States. Today it is considered a unisex name but is more commonly used for boys, and remains a popular choice among parents worldwide.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Travis since 1880
Total births
306,901
Total since 1880
Peak year
1989
11,526 births
in 2023
840
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-20%
↘
vs previous 5 years