Avery

♂ Boy

Pronounced AY-vuh-ree /ˈeɪ.vər.i/High

Meaning: Ruler of the elves; Old French form of Alfred: aelf (elf) + raed (counsel) or ric (ruler)High

In 30 seconds: A Norman French surname derived from the Old English name Alfred, meaning 'elf counsel' or 'elf ruler.' Once a boys' name, Avery is now used for both sexes, and has become more common for girls in the U.S.

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Origin HighOld French, Old English

MeaningRuler of the elves; Old French form of Alfred: aelf (elf) + raed (counsel) or ric (ruler)

Peak year2014

Total births (all-time)≈ 53,519

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Avery is an Old French and Norman English surname derived from the Old English name Alfred (possibly also influenced by Alberich or Alberic), meaning 'elf counsel' (from ælf, 'elf,' and rǣd, 'counsel'). The Norman French form Avery entered England after the Conquest and became a surname. As a given name it began appearing in the United States in the late 20th century.

Avery was initially used as a boys' name in the United States but crossed over to girls in the early 21st century. It is now ranked higher as a girls' name than a boys' name in the U.S., though this entry is for the male usage. Both usages continue to rank in the top charts.

Did you know? The name Avery is an Old French and Norman form of Alfred — so every Avery is etymologically connected to Alfred the Great (849–899), the only English king ever to be called 'the Great.'

Variations

AverieAveriAvory

Nicknames

AvAve

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Avery…

Audrey— Old English name with the same 'elf/noble' root, similar sound

Aubrey— Old French surname-first-name with near-identical structure

Emery— Old Germanic surname name with the same gender-crossing trajectory

Frequently Asked

What does the name Avery mean?

Avery means 'elf counsel,' as a Norman French form of Old English Alfred, from aelf (elf) and raed (counsel).

How do you pronounce Avery?

Avery is pronounced AY-vuh-ree (/ˈeɪ.vər.i/) — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Avery a boy or girl name?

Avery is used for both boys and girls. This entry is for the male usage; it is now more commonly given to girls in the U.S.

How popular is Avery?

Avery is in the top 200 boys' names and even higher as a girls' name, having become predominantly female in recent years.