What nationality is the surname Travis?

Answer 1

As the mother of a Travis who was named after his father's ancestors, I assure you that it has some serious English roots. I'm dubious of the French claim, but be that as it may.

Our line was in Canada for ~120 years before crossing into the US circa 1790. They trace back to an English soldier who stuck around after his was mustered out.

Answer 2

English

The roots of the travis name date back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The surname travis is derived from the Old English words travers, travas, traves, and travis. These are all derived from the Old French nouns travers and traverse, which refer to the act of passing through a gate or crossing a river or bridge. travis was originally a name for someone whose occupation was collecting a toll from travellers or merchants crossing a bridge. The toll provided financial resources to maintain the upkeep of the bridge.

Spelling variations of this family name include: Travers, Traverse, Travis, Traviss and others.

First found in Lancashire where they were seated from very ancient times, at Mount Travers, some say before the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Walter Travis, who came to Virginia in 1637; John Traviss settled in Maryland in 1734; Joseph Travis, who settled in Maryland in 1738; Robert Travers, who settled in Placentia, Newfoundland, in 1744.

Answer 3

I am sending a link to a site that you may find interesting, you may be able to find out some other information about your ancestors, good luck Diane.
http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts/Fact.aspx?&fid=10&ln=travis&fn=

Answer 4

That's my son's name. It's French - meaning "crossroads" I chose it because he was the crossroad in my life. Pax - C.

Answer 5

Ask your parents.