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.
The name Ellery has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. From having only five births each year between 1959 and 1975, the number of babies named Ellery began to rise steadily from the late 1970s onwards.
In 1987, there were 11 births with the name Ellery, which more than doubled to 26 births in 1990. The trend continued, with the highest number of Ellery births recorded in 2021, at 213 newborns sharing this unique name.
Overall, since 1959, there have been a total of 4381 babies named Ellery born in the United States. This data demonstrates how names can change in popularity over time and that Ellery has become more favored in recent years.