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Last Name Avery

What is the origin of the last name Avery?

The last name "Avery" is of English origin. It is derived from the medieval personal name "Alberic" or "Aubrey," which itself comes from the Old Germanic elements "alf" meaning "elf" or "magical being," and "ric" meaning "ruler" or "king." Over time, "Alberic" or "Aubrey" evolved into various forms, including "Avri," "Averi," and eventually "Avery."

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Avery

In terms of ethnic identity, the Avery surname shows a diverse range of backgrounds. According to the Decennial U.S. Census data, the majority of the individuals with the Avery surname identified as White, although this percentage decreased slightly from 72.69% in 2000 to 71.13% in 2010. There was a significant increase in the percentage identifying as Hispanic (1.42% to 2.29%) and those reporting two or more races (1.67% to 2.39%). The portion identifying as Black saw a minor decrease from 23.06% to 22.93%. Meanwhile, those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaskan Native saw smaller increases. The data for specific individuals was suppressed for privacy, ensuring no identification of specific individuals is possible.

20002010Change
White72.69%71.13%-2.15%
Black23.06%22.93%-0.56%
Two or More Races1.67%2.39%43.11%
Hispanic1.42%2.29%61.27%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0.73%0.75%2.74%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.44%0.51%15.91%

Avery ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Avery is British & Irish, which comprises 50.0% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (24.6%) and Scandinavian (4.5%). Additional ancestries include Eastern European, Nigerian, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese, and Ashkenazi Jewish.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWNCOMPOSITION
British & Irish50.0%
French & German24.6%
Scandinavian4.5%
Other20.9%
Paternal Haplo Image

Your paternal lineage may be linked to Alexander Hamilton

Early in the morning on July 11, 1804, Aaron Burr (then Vice President of the United States) and Alexander Hamilton (founder of the U.S. Treasury) dueled on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. This marked the culmination of a bitter personal and political rivalry between the two men. Alexander Hamilton died as a result of the duel, but his intellectual legacy survives in the founding documents of the nation he helped build. A piece of his genetic legacy survives as well: in the 21st century, genealogists documented the paternal haplogroups of dozens of Hamilton's living descendants and concluded that the Founding Father's paternal haplogroup was a branch of I-DF29.

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Maternal Haplo Image

Learn more about the origin of the last name Avery

The meaning and origin of the last name Avery

The surname Avery has both English and French origins. In the English context, it is derived from the Old French personal name "Alberic" or "Albericus," composed of the Germanic elements "alf," meaning "elf," and "ric," meaning "power," or "ruler." The name Alberic was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and evolved into various forms like Ailric, Alric, and eventually Avery.

Additionally, Avery has origins as a French occupational surname. It was derived from the Old French word "aveyron," meaning "era," which referred to a worker in a vineyard or someone involved in wine-making. Wine production was a crucial industry in ancient France, and individuals engaged in viticulture were important members of society.

Over time, the surname Avery has spread and become common in various English-speaking countries, including the United States and Canada. Today, individuals with the surname Avery can be found across different professions and fields, carrying their ancestral legacy with pride.

Geographical distribution of the last name Avery

The last name Avery has a diverse geographical distribution around the world. In the United Kingdom, the name is most commonly found in England, particularly in the southwestern part of the country, including counties like Devon and Cornwall. In the United States, the name is relatively widespread, with significant concentrations in states like Texas, Florida, California, and New York. The highest density of Averys in the U.S. can be found in Florida and Texas. Canada also has a notable population of individuals with the last name Avery, mainly in the provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia. Australia has a smaller but significant number of Averys, with concentrations in the states of New South Wales and Queensland. Other countries with a presence of the Avery surname include New Zealand, South Africa, and Jamaica, among others. The global distribution of the name implies its historical roots and dispersal from the United Kingdom, highlighting the movement and migration of individuals throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Avery

The last name "Avery" has various spellings and variations, adding diversity to its already rich history. One common alternative spelling is "Averie," which is often used to reference the same family surname. Additionally, the name can be seen with different variations such as "Avarie," "Averey," or "Averi." These variations add unique flavors to the name while still carrying the same underlying origin. Further, regional influences have also contributed to alterations in the spelling of "Avery." In some cases, you may come across "Avary," "Avrey," or "Avrie." Despite the different spellings and variations, the name "Avery" has ancestral roots in England, where it originated as a given name before becoming a surname. It later spread to other English-speaking countries and gained popularity as a family name that is cherished among diverse communities.

Famous people with the last name Avery

One of the most well-known personalities with the last name Avery is Sean Avery, a former professional ice hockey player. Known for his aggressive playing style and ability to get under opponents' skin, Avery played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Rangers. However, his controversial behavior off the ice often overshadowed his on-ice accomplishments. Another notable figure with the last name Avery is Shondaland's founder and highly acclaimed television producer, Shonda Rhimes. Famous for creating hit shows such as Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, Rhimes has received numerous awards for her groundbreaking work in the entertainment industry. Her production company has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on contemporary television. Additionally, Christopher 'Avery' Brooks gained fame for his portrayal of Commander Benjamin Sisko in the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, showcasing his talent as an actor and director. Overall, the last name Avery has been associated with personalities from various fields, contributing to their respective industries in distinct and remarkable ways.

Genealogical research on the last name Avery

The Avery surname has its roots in England, with the earliest recorded instance of the name traced back to the county of Devon in the early 12th century. The name is derived from the Old English personal name "Aluric" or "Alfher," meaning "elf ruler" or "elf army." Over time, the name evolved to various spellings such as Averay, Avary, and Avory before settling on Avery. The family migrated to America in the 17th century, with several branches settling in different regions, most notably New England. Notable individuals bearing the Avery name include Christopher Avery, who arrived in 1650 and later became one of the founders of Groton, Connecticut. The Averys have since spread across the United States, becoming a common surname throughout the country. Today, descendants of the Avery family can be found in a wide range of professions and industries, weaving their lineage into the fabric of American society.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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