Avery

♀ Girl

Pronounced AY-vuh-ree /ˈeɪ.vər.i/High

Meaning: Ruler of elves; elf counsel; from Old French form of Alfred or AubreyMedium

In 30 seconds: An Old French surname derived from Germanic names meaning 'elf counsel,' Avery transitioned from a male surname to a popular gender-neutral first name, now used predominantly for girls.

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Origin HighOld French, Germanic

MeaningRuler of elves; elf counsel; from Old French form of Alfred or Aubrey

Peak year2014

Total births (all-time)≈ 117,789

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 surname form of either Alfred (from aelf + ræd, elf counsel) or Aubrey (from aelf + ric, elf power). Elves in Anglo-Saxon and Germanic belief were supernatural beings associated with wisdom, skill, and power.

Used historically as a male given name and surname, Avery shifted to predominantly feminine use in the United States during the 1990s–2000s. It entered the U.S. top 20 girls' names around 2014 and has remained there, part of the broader trend of surname-style and previously-male names being adopted for girls.

Did you know? Avery derives from the Old French form of either Alfred (elf counsel) or Aubrey (elf power). Both underlying names contain the Old English/Germanic element aelf (elf), which in medieval belief represented supernatural wisdom or power.

Variations

AverieAveri

Nicknames

AveAva

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Avery…

Harper— shares the surname-to-girls'-name trend and modern top-20 position

Riley— equally popular former surname now used predominantly for girls

Quinn— another crisp unisex/female surname-origin name

Peyton— shares the American surname-as-first-name feel

Addison— fellow surname-origin girls' name in the same era of popularity

Frequently Asked

What does the name Avery mean?

Avery is an Old French surname form of Alfred or Aubrey, meaning 'elf counsel' from the Germanic element aelf (elf) combined with a word for counsel or power.

How do you pronounce Avery?

Avery is said AY-vuh-ree /ˈeɪ.vər.i/ — three syllables, with stress on the first.

Is Avery a boy or girl name?

Avery was historically male but is now used predominantly as a girl's name in the United States, though it is also considered unisex.

How popular is Avery?

Avery entered the U.S. top 20 girls' names around 2014 and has remained there consistently.