Traviss is an English variant of the surname Travers, which itself has French origins as an occupational name for a toll collector or a topographic name for someone who lived near a bridge or crossing. The name ultimately derives from the Old French word “travers,” meaning “across” or “crossing.” This surname family includes several related forms such as Traves, Travis, Trevis, as well as French-language variants like Traver, Travere, and Travert, and the Italian Traversa. Notable Bearers The spelling Traviss is less common than the similar Travis but has gained some visibility through contemporary figures. Notable individuals include Karen Traviss, a British science fiction author known for her work on the “Star Wars: Republic Commando” series and “Gears of War” novels; and Reg Traviss (born 1977), a British film director and writer known for his film “Joy Division” (2006). While the name Travers appears in medieval records and is associated with Norman-French nobility, the variant Traviss represents a more recent Anglicized spelling, common in larger English-speaking communities. Meaning: Variant of Travers, meaning “crossing” or “toll collector” Origin: English surname derived from Old French Type: Occupational / Topographic Usage Regions: United Kingdom, United States