Avery

At a Glance

Meaning

Elf counsel, from Old English ælf ('elf') + ræd ('counsel')

Origin

Old English (via Anglo-Norman surname)

Gender

Neutral

Pronunciation

AY-vur-eeListen

Avery is a neutral name rooted in Old English, having come into use through an Anglo-Norman surname. Its actual meaning is 'elf counsel,' combining the Old English elements ælf ('elf') and ræd ('counsel') — not 'ruler of the elves,' a version that's often repeated but gets the second half wrong. It's pronounced AY-vur-ee.

Meaning & Origin of Avery

Meaning: Elf counsel, from Old English ælf ('elf') + ræd ('counsel').

Origin: Old English (via Anglo-Norman surname).

A common claim: Avery is often said to mean 'ruler of the elves.' Actually: That's inaccurate — the Old English element ræd means 'counsel,' not 'ruler'; the actual meaning is 'elf counsel.'

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Avery

Popularity of Avery

Avery ranked #31 in 2024 with 5,632 babies given the name, down from its peak of #12 in 2013, when 9,185 babies received it.

Names Like Avery

These names share Avery’s style, era or origin.

• Emery
• Harlow
• Peyton
• Everett
• Harley
• Wren

FAQ

What does the name Avery mean?

Elf counsel, from Old English ælf (‘elf’) + ræd (‘counsel’). (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Avery?

Avery is pronounced AY-vur-ee (IPA: /ˈeɪvəri/).

Is Avery a popular name right now?

Avery peaked at #12 in 2013 and is ranked #31 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

Make Avery Name Art

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