All about the name

Ellery

Female

« Ellery is a rare, unisex American name created by author Edmund Clerihew Bentley as his detective pseudonym in the early 20th century, derived from his own last name. It has no specific meaning beyond its literary origins but gained popularity due to its unique sound and association with mystery fiction, notably through the Ellery Queen character created by Manfred B. Lee and Frederick Dannay. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Ellery is an uncommon and unique given name of American origin. It was created by the famous American mystery writer, Edmund Clerihew Bentley, as a pseudonym for his detective fiction stories in the early 20th century. The name "Ellery" is derived from the author's own last name, as he combined parts of his first and middle names to create this distinctive moniker. The name Ellery has no specific meaning or associations beyond its literary origin. However, it has gained some popularity over time due to its unique sound and its connection to the world of detective fiction. The name Ellery is typically given to boys, but it can also be used as a unisex name. In literature, Ellery Queen is the pen name used by two American mystery writers, Manfred B. Lee and his cousin Frederick Dannay, who collaborated together from the 1930s until the 1970s. The character of Ellery Queen, the detective in their stories, became very popular and helped to further popularize the given name Ellery. Overall, Ellery is a distinctive and unique given name with an interesting literary history. Its American origin and connection to detective fiction make it a standout choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Ellery since 1880

Total births
4,381
Total since 1880
Peak year
2014
256 births
in 2023
195
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+6%
vs previous 5 years