What does Ellery mean and where does it come from?
Ellery traces its origin to an Old English surname derived from a place name, which relates to elder trees. It was initially used as a surname before becoming a given name in the United States during the 20th century. It suggests a connection to nature and happiness. Notable figures include Ellery Q
Cultural significance
Ellery has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of island with elder trees.
Peak popularity
Reached #1016 in 2014 — currently #1212 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ellery?
Ellery works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ellery Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ellery Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ellery Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ellery Claire
French influence · crisp
Ellery Jane
Literary · strong
Ellery Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ellery right now?
Declining — down 11 spots — currently #1212 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1212 | 196 | ▼ down 11 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #1201 | 201 | ▼ down 52 · -6% births |
| 2021 | #1149 | 213 | ▼ down 1 · +4% births |
| 2020 | #1148 | 204 | ▼ down 111 · -20% births |
| 2015 | #1037 | 256 | ▲ up 236 · +37% births |
| 2010 | #1273 | 187 | ▲ up 291 · +44% births |
| 2005 | #1564 | 130 | ▲ up 1456 · +183% births |
| 2000 | #3020 | 46 | ▲ up 480 · +48% births |
| 1995 | #3500 | 31 | ▲ up 416 · +19% births |
| 1990 | #3916 | 26 | ▲ up 3684 · +225% births |
| 1985 | #7600 | 8 | ▲ up 1532 · +60% births |
| 1975 | #9132 | 5 | — |
The story of Ellery
Ellery entered American naming records in 1959 and has been in use for over 65 years. With 5,973 total births recorded, Ellery remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9132 in 1975 to #1212 in 2023. Ellery is used for both genders: 63% female and 37% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ellery in 2014:
Ellery by decade
Ellery peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 10 | |
| 1890s | 19 | |
| 1900s | 23 | |
| 1910s | 137 | |
| 1920s | 225 | |
| 1930s | 149 | |
| 1940s | 224 | |
| 1950s | 326 | |
| 1960s | 255 | |
| 1970s | 282 | |
| 1980s | 290 | |
| 1990s | 471 | |
| 2000s | 1,164 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,185 | |
| 2020s | 213 | |
💎With 5,973 total births, Ellery is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Ellery?
What names sound and feel like Ellery?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ellery also consider these
Common questions about the name Ellery
What does the name Ellery mean?
Ellery means "island with elder trees" — a name rooted in England 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 Ellery?
Ellery is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Ellery?
Ellery originates from England tradition. England 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 Ellery?
Ellery is a three-syllable name pronounced EH1 L 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 Ellery?
Ellery pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar England heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.