Ellery

Ellery comes from an English surname derived from the medieval personal name Hilary. Through Hilary and Latin hilaris, it has a connection with cheerfulness. The surname route is better established than the picturesque interpretation “island with elder trees,” which should not be assumed simply because Ellery resembles some English place names.

Ellery Queen is a notable literary association: the name belonged both to a fictional detective and to the shared pen name of the cousins who created him. As a first name, Ellery is used for boys and girls. Ellie is an easy short form, while the complete name has a light three-syllable rhythm. Its literary history may appeal to families who enjoy mysteries or surname names.