"ruler of the elves"
Origin: Anglo-Saxon/Norman
Language: English
Avery
Pronunciation: [ AYV-er-ee ]
Does Avery flow with your last name?
An elfish ruler — now more commonly a girl's name in the US
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Meaning & Origin
"elf counsel, supernatural wisdom"
Origin: Old Germanic Alberich
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Now primarily used for girls in the US — boys named Avery may face confusion about gender
The Story of Avery
Avery is an English surname derived from the Norman French form of the Germanic name Alfred (via Alberich/Aubrey), meaning 'elf counsel' or 'ruler of supernatural beings.' It arrived in England with the Normans after 1066 and was used as a given name from medieval times. It transitioned from a primarily masculine name to a predominantly feminine one in the US during the 1990s-2000s.
Avery was a male name through most of its history, but crossed over to the female side dramatically in the US in the 1990s. For boys, it peaked in the early 2000s before the feminization made parents hesitant. Today, roughly 80% of new Averys in the US are girls.
The gender shift of Avery reflects a broader American trend of surname-derived names moving from male to female use (like Ashley, Lindsay, and Riley). For parents wanting to use Avery for a boy, there is historical precedent — but they should be aware of the modern perception.
Historical Record
Avery first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 61,742 babies have been named Avery in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Avery is a steady classic , currently ranked #259 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Avery shares roots with Aubrey and Alfred, all meaning 'elf counsel' in Old German
- In 2005, Avery was used 60% for boys; by 2015, 80% of new Averys were girls in the US
- The Avery family was prominent in early American history, with several notable figures in colonial New England
Avery in Other Languages
French
Aubry
German
Alberic
Norman
Aubrey
Italian
Alberico
Spanish
Averio
Popularity Over Time
#259
Current Rank
Steady Classic
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #259
- Total SSA Count
- 1,348
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ave
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Avery
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Avery is also used as a girl name, ranked #31.
View Avery as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Avery
What does the name Avery mean?
"ruler of the elves" (from Anglo-Saxon/Norman). "elf counsel, supernatural wisdom" (from Old Germanic Alberich). Avery is an English surname derived from the Norman French form of the Germanic name Alfred (via Alberich/Aubrey), meaning 'elf counsel' or 'ruler of supernatural beings.' It arrived in England with the Normans after 1066 and was used as a given name from medieval times. It transitioned from a primarily masculine name to a predominantly feminine one in the US during the 1990s-2000s.
What is the origin of the name Avery?
Avery has Anglo-Saxon/Norman, Old Germanic Alberich, English, and American origins. In Anglo-Saxon/Norman, it means "ruler of the elves". In Old Germanic Alberich, it means "elf counsel, supernatural wisdom".
Is Avery a boy or girl name?
Avery is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #259. As a girl name, it is ranked #31. Avery is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Avery?
Avery is pronounced AYV-er-ee.
How popular is the name Avery?
Avery is currently ranked #259 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Avery?
Common nicknames for Avery include Ave.
What are good middle names for Avery?
Popular middle name pairings include Avery James, Avery Lee, Avery Michael, Avery Thomas, Avery Scott, Avery John, and Avery Reed.
What are good sibling names for Avery?
Names that pair well with Avery as siblings include Riley, Quinn, Parker, Morgan, Logan, Jordan, and Cameron.
How many syllables does Avery have?
Avery has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Avery a common or rare name?
Avery is a popular name, ranked #259 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Avery
Avery is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "ruler of the elves" in Anglo-Saxon/Norman .
Is Avery a boy or girl name? Avery is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #259 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #31. Avery is more commonly used as a girl name.
Avery is currently ranked #259 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Avery has 3 syllables and is pronounced AYV-er-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Avery include Ave. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis