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Mavis vs Scarlett

Mavis is an English girl's name meaning A melodic name taken from the Old French word for the song thrush bird, while Scarlett is an English girl's name meaning A name associated with a bright, vibrant shade of red. Both have 2 syllables.

Mavis

/MAY-vis/

Meaning
A melodic name taken from the Old French word for the song thrush bird.
Origin
English
Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Letters
5
Nicknames
Mavie, Mave, Mavy, Mayvis
Loved
0 times

Mavis is derived from the Old French word 'mauvis,' which refers to the song thrush, a bird known for its beautiful and complex singing voice. The name entered the English language in the late 19th century, gaining popularity during a period when nature-inspired names were highly fashionable.

Full Mavis name page

Scarlett

/SKAR-lit/

Meaning
A name associated with a bright, vibrant shade of red.
Origin
English
Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Letters
8
Nicknames
Scarlet, Scarlette, Scar, Lettie, Scarly
Loved
0 times

The name is derived from the Old French word 'escarlate', which originally referred to a type of high-quality, expensive wool cloth. Over time, the word became synonymous with the deep red color often used to dye this fabric. It transitioned from an occupational surname for someone who sold or produced such cloth to a popular given name.

Full Scarlett name page

How to choose between Mavis and Scarlett

  • Sound: Mavis runs to 2 syllables (/MAY-vis/) and Scarlett to 2 (/SKAR-lit/). Either pairs comfortably with most surnames.
  • Heritage: Both names share an English background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
  • Nicknames: Mavis shortens to Mavie, Mave, Mavy. Scarlett shortens to Scarlet, Scarlette, Scar.
  • Usage today: While historically associated with the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, the name has seen a modern resurgence in North America as part of the 'vintage revival' naming trend. It is almost exclusively used as a feminine given name today. The name saw a significant surge in global popularity during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Mavis vs Scarlett: common questions

Is Mavis or Scarlett easier to pronounce?
Mavis is said /MAY-vis/ with 2 syllables, while Scarlett is said /SKAR-lit/ with 2 syllables. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
What is the difference in meaning between Mavis and Scarlett?
Mavis means A melodic name taken from the Old French word for the song thrush bird. Scarlett means A name associated with a bright, vibrant shade of red.
Which is more popular, Mavis or Scarlett?
Mavis and Scarlett are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).