Avery is a name of English origin that has gained significant popularity in recent years. Its original meaning is derived from the Old English word "æfre," which means "elf counsel" or "elf advice." This suggests that the name Avery may have been given to someone who was considered wise or knowledgeable beyond their years, much like an elf from folklore.
The use of the name Avery can be traced back to medieval England, where it was used as a surname. It was initially used to describe someone who lived near an area of groves or elms, as "æfre" also means "elm tree." Over time, Avery evolved from a surname to a given name, and its popularity has continued to grow in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
In literature, one notable figure named Avery is Edgar Allan Poe's character in his 1843 poem "The Raven," although it is important to note that this character is not based on the true origin or meaning of the name Avery. Despite this association, Avery remains a name that is often associated with intelligence, wit, and creativity.
Today, Avery is used as both a male and female given name, although it is more commonly found among females in the United States. It has also gained popularity as a middle name for both boys and girls. Overall, Avery is a unique and interesting name with a rich history that continues to captivate parents and enthusiasts alike.
The name Avery has seen significant fluctuations and growth in popularity over the past century and a half, with total births reaching an impressive figure of 159,008 since 1890. While there were modest beginnings with only six births recorded in both 1890 and 1900, Avery's usage began to pick up steam by the early 20th century. The first notable peak occurred around the late 1940s to early 1950s, with over 20 births registered each year.
The name Avery continued to gain traction throughout the mid-20th century, with a significant spike in popularity occurring between the years 1976 and 1981. During this period, birth numbers more than doubled from 36 in 1976 to 58 in 1980, reaching an all-time high of 69 births in 1982.
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked another substantial rise in Avery's popularity. Birth numbers rose steadily from 101 in 1986 to a remarkable 433 in 1992, with the trend continuing until the mid-1990s.
From the late 1990s onwards, Avery became a dominant choice for parents, with birth numbers consistently exceeding one thousand each year. The name's popularity peaked at an astonishing 9,578 births in 2014 and remained above 8,000 births annually until 2019.
In recent years, the usage of Avery has slightly decreased but still maintains a high level of popularity among parents, with 6,246 births recorded in 2022. Overall, these statistics demonstrate Avery's enduring appeal and its position as one of the most popular given names in recent history.