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Avonlea
Pronounced AV-ən-lee /ˈæv.ən.li/High
Meaning: Invented by L. M. Montgomery for Anne of Green Gables' village; readable as avon, the Celtic 'river', plus lea, 'meadow'Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Avonlea is a literary invention: L. M. Montgomery coined it for the Prince Edward Island village of Anne of Green Gables (1908), almost certainly composing it from avon — the Celtic river-word that names several British rivers — and lea, the English meadow. The 1980s series Road to Avonlea renewed its glow for television audiences.
As a given name it is a twenty-first-century adoption by readers who grew up with Anne, fitting neatly into the -lea/-leigh fashion. It remains rare — a name that doubles as a literary password between kindred spirits.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Avonlea mean?
Avonlea was invented by L. M. Montgomery for Anne of Green Gables, readable as avon, the Celtic 'river', plus lea, 'meadow'.
How do you pronounce Avonlea?
It's said AV-ən-lee /ˈæv.ən.li/ — three syllables, stress on the first.
Is Avonlea a boy or girl name?
Avonlea is a girl's name.
How popular is Avonlea?
Avonlea is a rare literary name in the U.S.