About Abby Sandel

Whether you're naming a baby, or just all about names, you've come to the right place! Appellation Mountain is a haven for lovers of obscure gems and enduring classics alike.

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What do you think?

25 Comments

  1. I actually like Amory…as a girls name. (Please don’t hurt me!) I would use it in a heartbeat. It does kind of have a preppy vibe to me, but I don’t mind that too much. I also like Fitzgerald, so I could claim that association, too. Thanks for doing this one, Abby! It’s so lovely!

    1. I can see Amory on a girl. Emery is undeniably catching on for girls, along with Emerson and any other Em- name. And between Amanda, Amy, and Amelia, there’s plenty of interest in Am- names for daughters, too.

  2. Oh! Well, I think it’s fabulous, which is why I suggested it. To me, the [AM-er-ee] pronunciation I use is distinct enough from Emory and Emery to make it work, but I see the possible confusion.

    Yes, the name has a surname feel and, yes, it does have a bit of a unisex vibe, but I think next to a classic and strong middle name, Amory would be perfect for a boy or a girl! Amory Benjamin and Amory Caroline come to mind.

    I’m of the opinion that Amory and Julian would be the most perfect brothers…

    Thanks for using this one, Abby!

    1. I named my daughter Amory Nichole. I love the name and the true meaning of the name is LOVED.

  3. I have a soft spot for all of these related names. I’d be more inclined to use Emery, simply because the pronunciation is clearer, but I LOVE the way Amory looks and feels.

  4. Ooh, Paisley would be a great NOTD. Are they going to be miffed that you already mentioned her name here, Caroline?

  5. When I hear this name, I’m reminded of late writer Cleveland Amory, who wrote “The Cat Who Came For Christmas,” and who described himself as a “curmudgeon” throughout. Thus I tend to, unfortunately, associate it with cranky old men.

  6. I kind of like Emmerich, but in my mind Amory sounds too much like Armory and the nickname Amo (ammo) doesn’t help at all. I’m not a fan of -ery names, to me they sound more like places/businesses, than given names… bakery, winery, library, etc.

  7. Just after I read this post, I was in a bus next to three teenaged girls. They were talking about a boy named Emeric. One of the girls said that her great-grandfather was named Emeryc. She went on to explain that he was born in Germany and named Emery and that he changed his name to Emeryc when he moved to France. – What a funny coincidence to overhear that conversation!

  8. My cousin was considering this for her daughter born last week. I am not sure where they got the idea-they are very into meanings and religious associations. Anyway, they ended up going with Paisley, but I take it as a sign that Amory is more accessible to most non-name nerds as a girls name right now.

    1. They’re very into meanings and religious associations, but they went with Paisley??? I don’t understand this.

      1. Well, apparently there is some connection between the word ‘paisley’ and the Scottish word for church? I actually looked it up on Nameberry after she told me that and it does say something along those lines.

        1. There is a link, though it is imperfect.

          The Greek basilica became something along the lines of baslec in Middle Irish, then something closer to passeleg, then P

  9. I like Amory’s sound, but it’s all surname to me. I had a huge crush on Thomas Amory back then. So that’s what sticks in my head.
    I’d use it in the middle if Ken would let me (too bad he remembers Tom as well as I do). I wouldn’t mind meeting a few. Amaury is one I see on African-Americans a fair bit. Nothing wrong with it in my book. Nice to know it’s an aristocratic name in France! 🙂
    Emory’s all nail file to me, and as such, silly as a name. But Amory (Aim-or-ee to me) is swoony! (Thanks, Tom, wherever you are!)

    1. I completely agree Lola, Emory = nail file!

      I don’t really care for Amory, but I tend to dislike Em/Am beginnings, gender neutral, and ends in ‘ee’ sound names so Amory’s got 3 strikes against it for me. I also can’t decide if it should be Aim or Am…

  10. Amaury is heard fairly often here in France, as is Emeric. Amaury definitely has aristocratic connotations. In fact, a friend warned me against using it unless I come from an old French family! Thanks for this post. As always, your website is a gem.

    1. Thanks, Jeannine! And I was curious about Amaury, so I’m glad to hear more about how he is perceived in France.