What does Avery mean and where does it come from?
Avery has its roots in Old English as a surname derived from 'Aelfric', meaning 'elf ruler.' In contemporary settings, it has gained popularity as a first name for both boys and girls, although predominantly for girls. The name rose sharply in popularity in the early 21st century, becoming widely fa
Cultural significance
Avery has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of originally a surname meaning 'ruler of the elves'..
Peak popularity
Reached #12 in 2013 — currently #29 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Avery?
Avery works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Avery Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Avery Rose
Floral · soft ending
Avery Mae
Sweet · timeless
Avery Claire
French influence · crisp
Avery Jane
Literary · strong
Avery Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Avery right now?
Holding steady — currently #29 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #29 | 5,874 | ▼ down 3 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #26 | 6,249 | ▼ down 7 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #19 | 6,807 | stable · +2% births |
| 2020 | #19 | 6,698 | ▼ down 3 · -28% births |
| 2015 | #16 | 9,342 | ▲ up 7 · +40% births |
| 2010 | #23 | 6,674 | ▲ up 44 · +43% births |
| 2005 | #67 | 4,652 | ▲ up 109 · +154% births |
| 2000 | #176 | 1,832 | ▲ up 289 · +238% births |
| 1995 | #465 | 542 | ▲ up 338 · +117% births |
| 1990 | #803 | 250 | ▲ up 644 · +191% births |
| 1985 | #1447 | 86 | ▲ up 712 · +83% births |
| 1980 | #2159 | 47 | ▲ up 460 · +62% births |
| 1975 | #2619 | 29 | ▲ up 835 · +61% births |
| 1970 | #3454 | 18 | ▲ up 106 · +38% births |
| 1965 | #3560 | 13 | — |
The story of Avery
Avery has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. Its peak popularity was #12 in 2013. More than 199,255 babies have been named Avery since 1890. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1236 in 1890 to #29 in 2023. Avery is used for both genders: 70% female and 30% male.
Names that peaked alongside Avery in 2013:
Avery by decade
Avery peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 132 | |
| 1890s | 180 | |
| 1900s | 213 | |
| 1910s | 927 | |
| 1920s | 1,256 | |
| 1930s | 863 | |
| 1940s | 874 | |
| 1950s | 1,414 | |
| 1960s | 1,973 | |
| 1970s | 2,289 | |
| 1980s | 3,825 | |
| 1990s | 16,152 | |
| 2000s | 57,543 | |
| 2010s ★ | 103,143 | |
| 2020s | 8,471 | |
What are good nicknames for Avery?
What names sound and feel like Avery?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Avery also consider these
Common questions about the name Avery
What does the name Avery mean?
Avery means "Originally a surname meaning 'ruler of the elves'." — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Avery?
Avery is currently ranked #29 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Avery?
Avery originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Avery?
Avery is a three-syllable name pronounced EY1 V ER0 IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Avery?
Avery pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.