Found a name I like in baby names book ... opinions please

[frostystart]

I have the 'Brilliant Book of Baby Names' and have come across the name Ellery for a girl which I really like. I have heard of Ellery Handley the rugby player but the book does say it can be for a girl too. It means 'island of elder trees' which has significeance for me.

It can be spelt in a variety of ways - Ellery, Ellerie, Elerie. I like the Welsh version Eleri too but do prefer one of the above versions.

Please can you tell me what you think. Does it sound made up? Is it a nice name for a girl?

Hillary

I think of it as a boys name (like Ellery Queen).

My Mum had a female friend named this, but it was pron ill-airy. Don't know if that's a different name. I think spelled Ellerie is nice, but it will be said 'Ellaree'.

I quite like it. I like Avery too. And my dd has named her doll 'Avie' which I think is quite cool.

I like the name, but I thi nk of it as a male name.
My brain is telling me it's a very pretty name though!

HanSolo that's my thought! It seems to be known as a male name but to me sounds very pretty. Sigh, choosing names is tricky!

I like it spelt Ellery. Similar to Valerie isn't it....I do like it.

I prefer Eleri.

Ellery is a different (male) name.

I thought it was Welsh and spelt Eleri too.

I thought it was a welsh, female name too spelt Eleri.
I love it!

Not sure why I think Aniela is similar...... Maybe just another name I love. Pronounced: Ann-yell-a

Sorry my first thought was the same as Edith (loved those books). Go for one of the spellings with an i in though and I could be persuaded.

I think it's lovely....Elerie or Eleri look more feminine and pretty to me. Agree that Ellery would be a masculine version.

Eleri spelling is nicest. Reminds me of Lord of the Rings, somehow.

I've never heard it before so wouldn't think 'male name'. It sounds lovely, is it pronounced "ella ree"?

I like Eleri best too. Ellery does say boy to me and the other spellings look clunky somehow.

Eleri is beautiful though!

Eleri is pronounced "El-air- ee" (best approximation) rather that "ella-ree" though.

It's still lovely :)

I like it. Never heard of it for a man or woman though.

The word "Celery" did pop into my mind though. Sorry.

Eleri - lovely Welsh name

Ellery - trendy American name that's basically celery without the C

Gwen, you summed it up perfectly! And the pronounciation.

Ellery like Mallory and Avery.

OP, how have you been pronouncing it in your head?