Avery is a gender-neutral given name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. The name Avery means "elf counsel" or "wise elf," derived from the Old French word "averi," which refers to elves. In medieval times, it was believed that elves possessed great wisdom and knowledge.
The use of Avery as a given name is relatively modern. It was initially used more frequently for males in the past century, but its usage has become increasingly gender-neutral over time. Today, Avery is considered unisex and is often given to children regardless of their gender.
According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Avery has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for both boys and girls since the early 2000s. Its popularity peaked in 2016, when it reached its highest rank yet at number 374 for boys and number 598 for girls.
In literature and popular culture, Avery has been used as a character name in various works, including "Avery Jessup" in the television series "30 Rock," "Avery Johnson" in the novel "The Color Purple," and "Avery Schrieber" in the film "Little Miss Sunshine." These examples demonstrate how Avery's gender-neutral nature makes it suitable for a wide range of characters.
Overall, Avery is an attractive and distinctive name with a unique meaning that has gained popularity in recent years due to its unisex appeal. Its origins in Old French mythology add an intriguing layer to this charming name choice.
"The name Avery saw a significant increase in popularity from the late 19th century onwards, with a notable spike starting around 1993. Between 1880 and 1935, there were fewer than 100 births per year on average. However, from 1993 to 2022, Avery's popularity surged, reaching over 1400 births per year in multiple years, with a peak of 2283 births in 2014."