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Updated August 7, 2024

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Girl name origins & meanings

What does Avery mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

  • English: Ruler of the elves
  • Old French: Counselor; wise
  • Old English: Elf wisdom, elf counsel

Gender: Unisex, female

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Avery is pronounced ay-vuh-ree

For a baby girl, Avery encapsulates qualities of leadership, enchantment, and wisdom. Its Old French roots tie it to the word "aveline," meaning "hazelnut", adding an earthy, natural element to its persona. In England, elves were considered beautiful and magical creatures, with Avery meaning their ruler.

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Avery mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

  • English: Ruler of the elves
  • Old French: Counselor; wise
  • Old English: Elf wisdom, elf counsel

Gender: Unisex, male

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Avery is pronounced ay-vuh-ree

While the name Avery was originally used as a male name, today it is more common for girls. Avery comes from the Old English words aelf (meaning "elf") and ric (meaning "king" or "power"), which is why Avery means "ruler of the elves."

Boy name variations

How Popular Is The Name Avery

Family name origins & meanings

 

English: from the Anglo-Norman French personal name Auvery, a Norman form of Alfred. It could also be from a variant of the Anglo-Norman French personal name Aubri (see Aubrey). At least in the case of the original Puritan settlers in New England, there has been some confusion with Averill.

Christopher Avery emigrated from England to Salem, MA, in or before 1630. William Avery (alias Averill) was one of the Puritan settlers who emigrated from England to Ipswich, MA, in or about 1637.

 

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Avery in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

  • Avery Bailey Clark from The Young and the Restless - Avery is a strong-willed and compassionate lawyer who finds herself entangled in the complex drama of Genoa City.
  • Avery Arable from Charlotte's Web - Avery is the energetic and sometimes reckless brother of Fern, whose adventures on the farm bring him face-to-face with the extraordinary spider, Charlotte.
  • Avery Bullock from American Dad! - Avery is the eccentric and authoritative Deputy Director of the CIA, often involving himself in the absurd escapades of the Smith family.
  • Avery Ryan from CSI: Cyber - Avery is a cyberpsychologist leading a team of FBI agents dedicated to solving cybercrimes in this crime drama series.
  • Avery Carrington from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - Avery is a shrewd property developer known for his ambitious and cutthroat business tactics in the popular video game.

How Popular Is the Name Avery? 

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Avery has experienced a remarkable ascent in popularity, making it a standout choice for parents in recent years. For a name that was relatively unheard of in the early 20th century, Avery made a dramatic entrance into the top 1000 names in the United States by the mid-1980s and has continued to rise. Its biggest leap came in the 21st century, where it has been a constant presence in the top 20 names for newborn girls since 2010, reflecting a significant shift in gender preference for the name.

The name's versatility and modern sound have contributed to its growing appeal for boys as well, although with a higher ranking for girls, Avery embodies a blend of historical depth and contemporary freshness that has captured the hearts of modern parents. 

The name Avery carries historical significance, with notable individuals bearing the name including the American writer Avery Corman and the English actress Avery Pell. Its presence is felt not just in the echo of past luminaries, such as Avery Brundage, but also in contemporary media, enhancing its visibility and desirability among the public. Characters in Grey's Anatomy, Nashville, and Charlotte's Web have further cemented Avery's place in popular culture, making it a name with both a rich heritage and a bright future.

Where Is the Name Avery Popular?

This name is most popular across certain states in the U.S., including those highlighted on the map below.

Nicknames for Avery

These shortened names can make great nicknames for your baby.

  • Av
  • Ave
  • Avie
  • Aves
  • Ava
  • Avy
  • Ree
  • Rae

Avery Pairs Well With These Middle Names

Looking for a middle name that fits perfectly? Consider these!

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