Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Avery
UnisexEnglish, French· “from Alfred, elf counsel”
- Meaning
- from Alfred, elf counsel
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- AY-vur-ee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #37
- US babies 2025
- 5,267
- Best rank
- #12 (2013)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Avery
Avery is an English and French name that is usually said to mean “from Alfred, elf counsel”.
Avery began as an English surname, generally traced to a Norman French form of Alfred, the Old English name meaning "elf counsel". Some sources derive it instead from Alberich, a Germanic name meaning "elf ruler"; both routes pass through medieval French. As a first name Avery was used occasionally for boys for generations. Around the turn of this century it became far more common for girls in the United States, while remaining in use for boys. Its soft sounds and airy feel appeal to parents looking for a gender-neutral choice with a surname's polish. Avery stands well on its own and needs no nickname.
Popularity over time
Avery first appears in US Social Security records in 1890. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 37 different years, starting in 1989. Its best national rank was #12 in 2013, and the most babies received it in 2014, when 9,578 were named Avery. In 2025, 5,267 babies were named Avery, and it ranked #37 nationally. That is 44% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,274 in 1920, #2,443 in 1950, #2,098 in 1980, #176 in 2000, #23 in 2010, and #37 in 2025. Of the 170,006 US girls named Avery since records began, 49% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 41,706 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Parker and Sawyer.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Avery ranked highest in Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #15 | 55 |
| West Virginia | #17 | 40 |
| Arkansas | #20 | 59 |
| Ohio | #23 | 230 |
| Kentucky | #25 | 95 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Avery is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 80% of US babies named Avery were girls and 20% were boys.
Avery is usually pronounced AY-vur-ee, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-ry”.
Middle names for Avery
A few middle names that flow with Avery: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Avery
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Lists that include Avery
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Avery mean?
Avery is an English and French name that is usually said to mean “from Alfred, elf counsel”.
What is the origin of the name Avery?
Avery has English, French, and Old English roots. Avery began as an English surname, generally traced to a Norman French form of Alfred, the Old English name meaning "elf counsel".
Is Avery a popular name?
Yes. Avery ranked #37 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Avery a boy or girl name?
Avery is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 80% of US babies named Avery were girls and 20% were boys.
How do you pronounce Avery?
Avery is usually pronounced AY-vur-ee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings