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Home › Baby Names Directory › Ellery

Ellery

♂ Boy

Pronounced EL-ə-ree /ˈɛl.ə.ri/High

Meaning: From the surname Ellery — from a medieval form of Hilary ('cheerful, glad', Latin), or 'the alder-tree island' (Old English); here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Cheerful; the alder island: Ellery is 'cheerful, glad' (and 'the alder island'). Crisp, classic, and warm. Used for both sexes.
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Origin MediumEnglish, German
MeaningFrom the surname Ellery — from a medieval form of Hilary ('cheerful, glad', Latin), or 'the alder-tree island' (Old English); here for boys; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#9149 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1959
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,260

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195918822025

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

Ellery comes from the English surname Ellery — from a medieval form of Hilary, Latin hilaris, 'cheerful, glad, merry', or from an Old English place-name, 'the alder-tree island' (routes layered, which we note; the fictional detective Ellery Queen). A crisp, classic surname-name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; nickname Ell).

It registers thinly in records. Rare, cheerful-and-glad at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Ellery comes from a medieval form of Hilary, 'cheerful, glad' (Latin), or 'the alder-tree island' (Old English) — the detective Ellery Queen — a crisp surname-name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note).
Overall data confidence 58%
Behind the Name — Ellery — routes layered

Variations

EllaryElleriHilary

Nicknames

Ell

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ellery…

Emery— a fellow -ery surname-name
Everett— a companion E- boys' name
Ellis— a kin Ell- boys' name
Amory— lands in the same popularity range
Zackary— echoes that soft -ry sound

Explore names like Ellery

By themeuncertainenglishunisexsurname-namegerman
By meaningJoy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ellery mean?

Ellery is 'cheerful, glad' (from Hilary), or 'the alder-tree island'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Ellery?

It's said EL-ə-ree /ˈɛl.ə.ri/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ellery a boy or girl name?

Ellery is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Ellery?

Ellery is a rare name in the U.S.

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