Aubrey Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames (2024)

Aubrey Overview

  • Meaning: Aubrey means “elf king,” “supernatural being,” “chieftain,” and “ruler.”
  • Gender: “Aubrey” is a unisex name. It is more popular for females today.
  • Origin: The name has Old German roots, and was adopted by the French and English.
  • Pronunciation: “Aubrey” is pronounced, “AW-bree.”
  • Popularity: The name “Aubrey” is very popular in the United States. In 2021, it was ranked 65th for girls but has not made the top 1000 for most popular names for boys since 2002.
  • Nicknames: Aub, Aubs, Bree, Bri, Brie.
  • Variations: Aubery, Aubre, Aubree, Aubreigh, Aubrette, Aubri, Aubriana, Aubrianna, Aubrianne, Aubrie, Aubry, Aubury.
  • Namesakes: Aubrey “Drake” Graham, Aubrey Anderson-Emmons.

Table of Contents

  • What Does Aubrey Mean?
  • What Is the Origin of the Name Aubrey?
  • How Popular Is the Name Aubrey?
  • How Do I Pronounce Aubrey?
  • Is Aubrey a Boy or Girl Name?
  • Variations of Aubrey
  • Nicknames for Aubrey
  • Similar Names to Aubrey
  • Middle Names for Aubrey
  • Sibling Names for Aubrey
  • Famous People Named Aubrey
  • Aubrey in Popular Culture
  • Aubrey FAQs

What Does Aubrey Mean?

Both the male and female versions of “Aubrey” derive from an Old English given name that means “Elf King,” “supernatural being,” “chieftain,” and “ruler.” These, in turn, came from French and Old German words telling a story about magical elves within its meaning (1).

What Is the Origin of the Name Aubrey?

Before the name was an English staple, it was an Old High German family name, “Alberic” or “Alberich.” These were combinations of two German words, “Alf,” meaning “Elf,” and “Rik,” meaning “King.”

The French then took those German girl names and derived “Aubry” from them. The English then adopted it and used its variant, “Aubrey,” as a successor to Ælfric, common in the Medieval era (2).

The feminine form of the name came from the Old French “Aubree,” which derived from “Albereda.” It kept the same meaning.

How Popular Is the Name Aubrey?

The name “Aubrey” is very popular. In the United States, it is more common to find it in feminine form. It peaked in popularity in 2012 when it reached the impressive position of 15th. In 2021, it held on to 65th.

On the other hand, the male use of the name has taken a nosedive. It hasn’t made the top 1000 for most popular names since 2002 (3).

How Do I Pronounce Aubrey?

“Aubrey” is pronounced, “AW-bree.” There are no other common pronunciations for the name.

Is Aubrey a Boy or Girl Name?

“Aubrey” is truly a unisex name and can be validly used for all genders. While it is most popular for girls, Aubrey was a traditional boy’s name.

Variations of Aubrey

Aubrey made its way through German, French, and English-speaking countries, and it picked up a variety of iterations along the way. Some of them include:

  • Aubery (English)
  • Aubre (French)
  • Aubree (French)
  • Aubreigh (German)
  • Aubrette (German)
  • Aubri (German)
  • Aubriana (German)
  • Aubrianna (German)
  • Aubrianne (German)
  • Aubrie (German)
  • Aubry (French)
  • Aubury(German)

Nicknames for Aubrey

There are plenty of fun nicknames to pull out of “Aubrey.” Some of the most widespread favorites include:

  • Aub
  • Aubs
  • Bree
  • Bri
  • Brie

Similar Names to Aubrey

“Aubrey” has a special ring to it, so what names also conjure that same feeling? These names feel similar:

  • Aspen
  • Autumn
  • Audrey
  • Ava
  • Avery
  • Cori
  • Emily
  • Hannah
  • Lyla

Middle Names for Aubrey

If you’re wondering which middle names compliment “Aubrey,” look no further. Try any of these out:

  • Brianne
  • Celeste
  • Eloise
  • Evangelina
  • Georgia
  • Jacqueline
  • Josephine
  • Katherine
  • Marie
  • Pauline

Sibling Names for Aubrey

When choosing a sibling name for an “Aubrey,” it’s important to find some that work alongside each other. Some possibilities that would be an excellent choice for a sibling to Aubrey include:

For a brother:

  • Christopher
  • Gregory
  • Harry
  • John
  • Leo
  • Michael
  • Miles
  • Nolan
  • Oli
  • Paul

For a sister:

  • Alice
  • Cassie
  • Camilla
  • Grace
  • Hazel
  • Inigo
  • Jennifer
  • Lila
  • Rubina
  • Zena

Famous People Named Aubrey

Many famous people named “Aubrey,” as either a first or last name, have achieved prominence in numerous fields. Some of the most identifiable include:

  • Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: American actress noted for her role in the television series “Modern Family.”
  • Aubrey Beardsley: British illustrator and author best known for his black ink drawings inspired by Japanese wood art.
  • Aubrey “Drake” Graham: Canadian actor and rapper better known as “Drake,” one of the highest-grossing musical artists of all time.
  • Aubrey Morris: British actor is known for his roles in “A Clockwork Orange” and “The Wicker Man.”
  • Aubrey O’Day: American singer and songwriter from the group “Dumblonde.”
  • Aubrey Plaza: American actress, comedian, and producer. She is best known for her roles on the television program “Parks and Rec” and in the film “Dirty Grandpa.”

Aubrey in Popular Culture

In popular culture, Aubrey is perhaps most associated with Jack Aubrey, a fictional character created by Patrick O’Brian. However, plenty of other Aubreys have made their mark in literature, television, and film:

  • Aubrey: The narrator and a character from The Vampyre by John Polidori.
  • Aubrey: The main character from the cartoon series by the same name, “Aubrey.”
  • Aubrey: A character from the vampire novel Demon in My View.
  • “AUBREY”: A character from the horror computer game “OMORI.”
  • Aubrey Boyce: A character from the British show, “Only Fools and Horses.”
  • Aubrey deLint: A character from David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest.
  • Aubrey Fleming: A character played by Lindsey Lohan in the film “I Know Who Killed Me.”
  • Aubrey James: A character from the comedy movie “Stroker Ace.”
  • Aubrey Little: A character played by Travis McElroy in “The Adventure Zone.”
  • Aubrey Posen: one of the main characters from the movie “Pitch Perfect.”
  • Aubrey Valentine: A character from the British television show “EastEnders.”

Aubrey FAQs

If you’re looking for further information about Aubrey, read on to get the answers to several fascinating questions.

Aubrey Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames (1)

Does Aubrey Have Any Religious Meaning?

The name “Aubrey” has no official religious ties. It was not a name or personal reference in the Bible. However, it is popular in modern Christianity.

Aubrey Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames (2)

Is Aubrey a Pretty Name for a Girl?

“Aubrey” is a very pretty name for a girl. It also has a multitude of great nicknames to add cuteness to it, such as Subs and Bree. It remains feminine and strong and is equally as beautiful as a boy’s name.

Aubrey Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames (3)

What Sort of Personality Does Aubrey Have?

The personality type of Aubrey involves strength, thoughtfulness, and charm. An Aubrey carries wit and a drive to be the best at whatever they are attracted to doing.

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Aubrey Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames (2024)

FAQs

Aubrey Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames? ›

Aubrey, of French and English origin, means "elf ruler." Originally a boys' name, Aubrey tipped the scales in 1974 and is now used 98% of the time for girls. The increase in popularity is thought to be due to the band Bread's song "Aubrey," which was released in the 1970s.

What is the origin meaning of Aubrey? ›

Springing from German and French origins, Aubrey enjoyed many variations before settling as the gender-neutral name it is today. Derived from the Old High German title Alberich, the name means "elf ruler" in homage to the mythological figure.

What is the popularity of the name Aubrey? ›

In 2022, Aubrey was the 81st most popular girls' name in the United States.

What are the nicknames for Aubrey? ›

Here are 100 nicknames for Aubrey that you can use:
  • Abbey.
  • Abby.
  • A-Bree.
  • A-Bruh.
  • Aubs.
  • Aubie.
  • Bree.
  • Bria.
Apr 23, 2023

What does the name Aubrey mean spiritually? ›

The spiritual meaning of the name Aubrey is closely associated with the qualities of strength, intuition, and guidance. The name Aubrey carries a deep sense of inner strength and resilience.

Is Aubrey a saint name? ›

Alberic of Cîteaux (died 26 January 1109), sometimes known as Aubrey of Cîteaux, was a French monk and abbot, one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. He is now honored as a saint.

What does Aubrey mean in the dictionary? ›

a first name: from Germanic words meaning “elf ” and “ruler.”

What is the personality of the name Aubrey? ›

Personality of the name Aubrey

The name Aubrey, with its gentle yet assertive resonance, might suggest a personality that is both creative and practical. Individuals named Aubrey are often perceived as approachable and empathetic, possessing a natural charm that endears them to others.

Is the name Aubrey pretty? ›

Aubrey is a very beautiful name it reminds me of spring. Like for a boy, think it sounds silly on a girl, as if they were trying for Audrey and didn't know how to spell/pronounce it.

How old is the name Aubrey? ›

From Auberi, an Old French form of Alberich brought to England by the Normans. It was common in the Middle Ages, and was revived in the 19th century. Since the mid-1970s it has more frequently been given to girls, due to Bread's 1972 song Aubrey along with its similarity to the established feminine name Audrey.

Does Aubrey mean ruler? ›

In French Baby Names the meaning of the name Aubrey is: Blond ruler, elf ruler. From the Old French Auberi, a form of the Old German Alberich meaning elf ruler.

Is Aubrey a masculine name? ›

The name Aubrey is a boy's name of English origin meaning "elf ruler". Once a popular choice in for boys in the Middle Ages and again during the 19th century, Aubrey has mostly been used for girls in the US since the 1970's.

What is the rank of the name Aubrey? ›

Numbers
Aubrey (feminine)
YearRankPercent Used
2023#1010.147
2022#810.167
2021#640.196
86 more rows

Is the name Aubrey rare? ›

In recent years, the once Top 20 name has seen a decline in popularity however, with newer entries such as Quinn, Aurora, and Emery rising to take its place. Nevertheless, Aubrey is climbing up the charts in England and Wales and is still given to 3000 babies in the US every year.

Does Aubrey mean power? ›

Meaning and origin of the first name Aubrey

The name itself is a combination of two Germanic words, 'alb' meaning 'elf' and 'ric' meaning 'power'. Therefore, the name Aubrey can be interpreted to mean 'elf power' or 'elf ruler'.

What does Aubrey mean in Hebrew? ›

Aubrey. (ש"ע) אוברי, שם פרטי לזכר; שם פרטי לנקבה; שם משפחה; עיר בטקסס (ארה"ב); עיר בארקנסו (מדינה בארה"ב) Wikipedia English - The Free Encyclopedia. Aubrey. Aubrey is a Teutonic name meaning "rules the elves ".

What does Aubrey mean in French? ›

In French Baby Names the meaning of the name Aubrey is: Blond ruler, elf ruler. From the Old French Auberi, a form of the Old German Alberich meaning elf ruler.

What does the name Aubrey mean personality? ›

Aubrey is a name that carries an air of sophistication and class. It has a strong presence and is often associated with those who are confident, strong-willed, and determined.

What does aubrie mean? ›

Derived from the German name Alberic, Aubrie means "elf ruler," making it a favorite pick amongst fantasy lovers. Formed from the elements alb, meaning "elf" or "supernatural," and rīc, "power," Aubrie has all the makings of a captivating leader—no doubt bolstered by its links to the mythological dwarven hero Alberich.

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