To cross over or traverse
Traves is a variant of the English surname Travis, which originated from the Old French word 'traverser'. It historically referred to a toll collector or someone who lived near a bridge or crossing. While less common than its parent spelling, it retains a sense of movement and transition.
Less common today
Traves isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #5,032 in 1992.
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).