Gervis is a unique and distinctive given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German word "Gerwig," which is composed of two elements: "geri" meaning "spear" or "lance," and "wig" meaning "war" or "battle." Therefore, the name Gervis can be interpreted as "spear warrior" or "strong in battle."
The name Gervis has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was popular among the Germanic tribes and was often used by noble families. One of the earliest known figures with this name is Saint Gervasius, who was martyred during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians in the 4th century.
Over time, the name Gervis evolved and was anglicized to forms such as Gerwise, Gerwis, and eventually Gervis. In the Middle Ages, it was used quite commonly in England, with many records of people named Gervis appearing in historical documents during this period.
Today, Gervis is not as widely used as some other names, which makes it a unique choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive name with a rich history and meaningful origin. Despite its rarity, the name Gervis has maintained its Germanic roots and continues to evoke images of strength, courage, and warrior spirit.
The name Gervis has been given to a total of 217 babies in the United States over the years 1914 to 1973, according to available birth records. The number of births with this name varied from year to year, with some peak years and others with fewer occurrences.
In 1916, there were 10 births with the name Gervis, which is the highest recorded number in a single year during this period. This was followed by another peak in 1926 with 13 births. Other years with notable numbers of Gervis births include 1925 (9 births), 1930 (12 births), and 1941 (8 births).
Interestingly, there were several years with only a single-digit number of Gervis births, including 6 occurrences in 1914, 1928, 1929, 1933, 1940, and 1953. There was also a noticeable decline in the use of this name after the 1970s, as there were no recorded births with the name Gervis in subsequent years.
Overall, these statistics provide an insight into the popularity and usage of the name Gervis in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. Despite its fluctuating popularity over time, this unique name remains a part of American naming history.