I'm dating myself, but 50's / 60's French actor
Yves Montand (sp?) was well enough known in English speaking countries that his pronunciation ("eev") is what is generally used. That's just a personal theory. I have no idea how it would have generally been pronounced before then. But I think I'm safe in saying that he has influenced the pronunciation since then.
It wouldn't surprise me if there are those who still say, "eevz" for
Yves.