Girl, originally a boy's name, still used for boys · Old English (via Norman French) · International
Avery
AverySay it AY-vuh-ree
- Meaning today
- Ruler of the elves, wise
- Original meaning
- "from Ælfrǣd (Alfred): ælf 'elf' + rǣd 'counsel'" Bosworth-Toller, entries 599 and 25462
- Say it
- AY-vuh-ree
- Other spellings
- Averie, Avry
Avery
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Avery meaning
Avery is an international girl's name of Old English origin (via Norman French).
Meaning today
Ruler of the elves, wise
Original Old English (via Norman French) meaning
"from Ælfrǣd (Alfred): ælf 'elf' + rǣd 'counsel'"
Source: Bosworth-Toller, An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary (1898), entries 599 and 25462 · entry ælf; rǽd · See the entry · checked 25 Oct 2026
Avery began as an English surname. Most references explain it as a Norman French form, Averay or Alverey, of the Old English name Ælfrǣd, our Alfred. Its parts are ælf, "elf", and rǣd, which Bosworth-Toller's dictionary gives as counsel and advice, and also prudence and good sense, so the name means "elf counsel" or "wise as the elves". Name lists often give "ruler of the elves" instead, which follows a different suggested origin in the Germanic name Alberich, the source of Aubrey. Avery began as a boy's name and is now also given to girls.
References: Bosworth-Toller, ælf · Bosworth-Toller, rǽd · Wikipedia, Avery (surname)
Popularity abroad
- #37 United States, girls 2025 (down 6 from 31 in 2024)
US Social Security Administration - #261 England and Wales, girls 2025
Office for National Statistics
Official birth registrations. India publishes no national name statistics.
Spellings
Avery · Averie · Avry