Jarvis
BoyEnglish, French· “uncertain (from Gervase)”
- Meaning
- uncertain (from Gervase) (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- JAR-vis
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,858
- US babies 2025
- 44
- Best rank
- #347 (1988)
- Peak year
- 1989
Meaning and origin of Jarvis
Jarvis is often said to mean “uncertain (from Gervase)”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and French roots.
Jarvis comes from Gervase, a name of uncertain origin brought to England by the Normans; it may derive from Germanic elements, but scholars have not settled its meaning. Jarvis developed as an English surname and later a given name. In popular culture, J.A.R.V.I.S., the AI assistant in Marvel's Iron Man stories, gave it a modern, tech-savvy image. Jarvis has a refined, slightly old-fashioned sound. Jay and Jarv are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Jarvis first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 79 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #347 in 1988, and the most babies received it in 1989, when 635 were named Jarvis. In 2025, 44 babies were named Jarvis, and it ranked #2,858 nationally. That is 67% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,010 in 1920, #965 in 1950, #456 in 1980, #767 in 2000, #1,193 in 2010, and #2,858 in 2025. Of the 17,720 US boys named Jarvis since records began, 27% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 3,736 babies. Since 2010, 1,851 more have been named Jarvis.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kurtis, Jarred, Kory, Jamar, and Rashad.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jarvis ranked highest in Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Jarvis is usually pronounced JAR-vis, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Jarvis
A few middle names that flow with Jarvis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jarvis
Similar names
Lists that include Jarvis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jarvis mean?
Jarvis is often said to mean “uncertain (from Gervase)”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and French roots.
What is the origin of the name Jarvis?
Jarvis has English and French roots. Jarvis comes from Gervase, a name of uncertain origin brought to England by the Normans; it may derive from Germanic elements, but scholars have not settled its meaning.
Is Jarvis a popular name?
Not especially. Jarvis ranked #2,858 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Jarvis a boy or girl name?
Jarvis is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Jarvis?
Jarvis is usually pronounced JAR-vis. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings