Alvis
Primarily a boy's name of Old Norse origin with 5,192 recorded births. Also given to 326 girls.
Meaning & Origin
An American surname.
Alvis is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old Norse origin, from the Norse Alvíss, meaning 'all-wise' — from al (all) and víss (wise). In Norse mythology, Alvíss was a dwarf renowned for his extraordinary knowledge.
Alvis has the quiet, confident strength of Old Norse names — rare in America but deeply rooted in the mythology of Northern Europe. It was used in American families in the early-to-mid 20th century and is ripe for rediscovery.
EtymologyShow more
Alvis is cataloged under the Old Norse naming tradition. Names from the Old Norse tradition carry linguistic and cultural patterns that shape their sound, structure, and associations.
In the U.S., Alvis has been recorded as a boy's name since 1881, with 5,192 total births. Browse the Old Norse names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Alvis has 136+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1881.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 60 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 121 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 75 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 129 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 199 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 265 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 374 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 658 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 743 | — |
| 1930s | 783 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 916 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 645 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 105 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 73 | ▲ |
| 1880s | 46 | — |
The Story of Alvis
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1924, Alvis is a name steeped in history. Boys named Alvis are most likely born between 1914 and 1934.
How rare is Alvis?
Only about 1 in every 276,923 babies born in 2024 was named Alvis — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1881, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 916 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Alvis by the numbers
- Would fill 108 school buses
- Meeting one Alvis per day would take 14.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(136 years, 1881–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 | #6459 |
| 2023 | 14 | #6232 |
| 2022 | 12 | #6840 |
| 2021 | 13 | #6346 |
| 2020 | 8 | #8769 |
| 2019 | 11 | #7199 |
| 2018 | 19 | #4926 |
| 2017 | 13 | #6350 |
| 2016 | 12 | #6739 |
| 2015 | 20 | #4721 |
| 2014 | 11 | #7075 |
| 2013 | 12 | #6623 |
| 2012 | 13 | #6322 |
| 2011 | 10 | #7523 |
| 2009 | 7 | #9908 |
| 2008 | 14 | #6084 |
| 2007 | 7 | #9825 |
| 2006 | 9 | #8019 |
| 2005 | 8 | #8329 |
| 2003 | 7 | #8696 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Alvis as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Alvis has also been given to 326 girls in the U.S. since 1911.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alvis a boy's or girl's name?
When was Alvis most popular?
How popular is the name Alvis?
Can Alvis be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1881–2024