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Clovis Unisex

Popularity: #913 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationCLOH-vis / /ˈkloʊ.vɪs/

Latin; Germanic

Meaning

Latin: 'famous warrior'; Germanic: 'glory'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Clovis originates from the Germanic name Chlodovech, which is composed of the elements "hlud" meaning "famous" and "wig" meaning "warrior". This name evolved through various linguistic stages, first appearing in Old High German as Chlodovech, which was later Latinized to Clodoveus. The name entered the English language through the Old French form Clovis, particularly after the establishment of the Frankish kingdom in the late 5th century. The transition from Germanic to Latin and then to French reflects the historical interactions and cultural exchanges in medieval Europe.

Clovis I, who reigned from 481 to 511, is a significant historical figure associated with this name. He was the first king of the Franks to unite all of the Frankish tribes under one ruler and is often credited with laying the foundations for the future Kingdom of France. His conversion to Christianity around 496, as recorded by Gregory of Tours, marked a pivotal moment in the history of France, as it aligned the Frankish kingdom with the Roman Catholic Church, influencing the religious landscape of the region for centuries.

The name Clovis carries cultural resonance as a symbol of unity and leadership in early medieval Europe. It is often associated with themes of strength and valor, reflective of its etymological roots. The name has also been linked to various historical and legendary figures in French history, reinforcing its significance. Additionally, the diminutive form Clovisette has been used in some contexts, although it is less common. Overall, Clovis embodies a rich historical legacy that has endured through the ages.

Trend Summary

Clovis has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable increase in use in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Clovis
  • Clovys

International Variants

  • Clovis (French)
  • Clóvis (Portuguese)

Famous people named Clovis

Clovis I is a king best known for founding the Merovingian dynasty and uniting the Frankish tribes.

Clovis II is a king best known for being a Merovingian ruler of the Franks during the 7th century.

Fictional characters named Clovis

Clovis is a fictional character from the novel The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. He is a charming and somewhat bumbling prince who aids the unicorn in her quest.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Clovis was first seen in the United States in 1880. Clovis has ranked as high as #768 nationally, which occurred in 1917, and has been most popular in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Alabama. In the past 5 years the name Clovis has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Clovis (2018)

StateBirthsShare
CA 6
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18807
18887
18908
18926
18939
18955
18967
18977
18988
19006
19015
190312
190412
19059
19068
19075
190812
19097
191013
191113
191236
191340
191464
191565
191663
191784
191868
191965
192078
192162
192268
192370
192472
192562
192663
192755
192858
192965
193066
193147
193240
193358
193462
193563
193637
193753
193834
193932
194042
194142
194243
194326
194430
194532
194643
194736
194839
194926
195027
195138
195225
195324
195428
195523
195623
195738
195821
195923
196014
196122
196224
196320
196421
196511
196614
196711
196810
196916
197014
197113
197215
197312
197416
197510
197611
19779
197815
197912
198013
19817
198210
198312
198413
19859
198612
198710
19886
19896
19906
19918
19928
19935
199410
19966
19978
20006
200210
20049
20058
20068
20076
20086
20095
20106
201112
201210
20139
20156
20168
201711
201814
201913
20208
202119
202216
20235
202411