Surname Cavis - Meaning and Origin
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Cavis: What does the surname Cavis mean?
The last name Cavis is of French origin, and its meaning can be traced back to when two Latin words, "Cavus" and "Is" were joined together. Translated literally, Cavis means "hollow is," which gives an indication of the family's potential origins.
It is possible that the Cavis family once owned property in an area of France that was once a hollowed-out area, such as a valley, a gully, or a crevasse. In French culture, a hollowed-out area is used to signify the home where the family originated, and the word Cavis carries the suggestion that the family still lives in a similar area.
The last name Cavis could also be derived from a word in the Norman French language, "Cavoir," which is a term that is used interchangeably with "chef" or "head of the house." In old French culture, families would often name themselves after the head of their household as a way of showing loyalty to their patriarch or matriarch.
Regardless of the exact origin, the Cavis family have a proud lineage with a long and interesting history. The family name carries a sense of continuity through its link to a hollowed-out area, and a sense of respect and admiration through its potential connection to the head of the household.
Order DNA origin analysisCavis: Where does the name Cavis come from?
The surname Cavis is believed to have French origins. It is a relatively rare surname, with fewer than 1,000 people with it according to the US Census Bureau. Currently, the largest concentration of people with the Cavis surname is in the United States, with the majority hailing from the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Other countries known to have a Cavis presence include Canada, England, France, Italy, and Australia.
In the United States, the most likely origin of the Cavis name is from the French-Canadian province of Quebec, where settlers adopted it upon arriving in the 1600s. The name has also spread, likely from some of the original families, to the northern states that border Quebec, such as Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Despite the rarity of the name, Cavis families living in the US are very proud of their heritage and many still bear the name, most of them living in the South and Northeastern regions of the country. Additionally, some Cavis families have adopted the name in the American Southwest, with families living in New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.
Overall, the surname Cavis is found with the greatest frequency in the US, specifically in the Southeastern and Northeastern states. It is believed to be of French origin and there is evidence to suggest that the original Cavis families of the 1600s lived in the French-Canadian province of Quebec. Today, some of the descendants of these original Cavis families still bear the name and proudly carry on their family’s legacy.
Variations of the surname Cavis
Cavis is a surname which has evolved from various spellings and variations over time. While Cavis is likely to be derived from a Latin root, some believe it to be of French or Spanish origin.
Originating from the Latin word 'caveo' meaning 'to be on guard' or 'to take care', Cavis is thought to be derived from the Latin personal name 'Cavius'. This evolved into a surname in the 13th and 14th centuries, and over time gained variants and spellings.
Today, spellings such as Caviss, Caves, Cavus, Caveus, Cavesius (or Cavesse) and Cavea are all related to Cavis. With the French sounding versions of these surnames such as Caves, Cavus and Cavea, some historians have suggested various origins in French, Spanish or Mediterranean countries.
Although Cavis is now one of the more widely used variants, some other variants of the surname are still used in some parts of the world. Common surnames related to Cavis include Cavese, Cavesi, Cavesy, Cavesio, Cavic, Caviglia, Cavini, Cavallo, Cavedoni, Cavisting and Cavazzano.
Regardless of the origin, Cavis is a unique surname that continues to be used as a family name across the world.
Famous people with the name Cavis
- Rukiya Bernard: Canadian actress
- Leonard Cavis: English rugby union player
- Taylor Cavis: American singer-songwriter
- Marielle Cavis-Henry: French basketball player
- Brian Cavis: American businessman
- Emelyn Cavis: Filipino model
- Dex Cavis: American DJ
- Wilbur Cavis: Scottish footballer
- Thomas Cavis: Australian rules footballer
- Corbin Cavis: American film producer and actor