What does Aubrey mean and where does it come from?
Aubrey originated as a male name from the Germanic name Alberic, which was introduced to England by the Normans. It became popular as a female name in the 20th century. Aubrey has been used in literature and film, and is associated with various notable individuals, including singer Aubrey O'Day and
Cultural significance
Aubrey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of fair ruler.
Peak popularity
Reached #15 in 2012 — currently #146 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Aubrey?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Aubrey?
Aubrey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Aubrey Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Aubrey John
One syllable · timeless choice
Aubrey Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Aubrey Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Aubrey Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Aubrey Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Aubrey right now?
Declining — down 14 spots — currently #146 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #146 | 2,003 | ▼ down 14 · -10% births |
| 2024 | #132 | 2,217 | ▼ down 31 · -14% births |
| 2023 | #101 | 2,576 | ▼ down 20 · -14% births |
| 2022 | #81 | 2,997 | ▼ down 17 · -15% births |
| 2021 | #64 | 3,516 | ▼ down 8 · -10% births |
| 2020 | #56 | 3,886 | ▼ down 35 · -47% births |
| 2015 | #21 | 7,386 | ▲ up 24 · +38% births |
| 2010 | #45 | 5,360 | ▲ up 108 · +137% births |
| 2005 | #153 | 2,263 | ▲ up 70 · +61% births |
| 2000 | #223 | 1,409 | ▲ up 40 · +35% births |
| 1995 | #263 | 1,044 | ▲ up 35 · +12% births |
| 1990 | #298 | 936 | ▲ up 16 · +22% births |
| 1985 | #314 | 770 | ▲ up 132 · +60% births |
| 1980 | #446 | 481 | ▲ up 220 · +110% births |
| 1975 | #666 | 229 | — |
The story of Aubrey
Aubrey has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. Its peak popularity was #15 in 2012. More than 150,489 babies have been named Aubrey since 1889. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1320 in 1895 to #101 in 2023. Aubrey is used for both genders: 80% female and 20% male.
Names that peaked alongside Aubrey in 2012:
Aubrey by decade
Aubrey peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 183 | |
| 1890s | 386 | |
| 1900s | 707 | |
| 1910s | 3,273 | |
| 1920s | 4,779 | |
| 1930s | 3,946 | |
| 1940s | 3,483 | |
| 1950s | 3,464 | |
| 1960s | 2,384 | |
| 1970s | 3,897 | |
| 1980s | 8,801 | |
| 1990s | 12,906 | |
| 2000s | 31,039 | |
| 2010s ★ | 67,213 | |
| 2020s | 8,412 | |
What are good nicknames for Aubrey?
What names sound and feel like Aubrey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Aubrey also consider these
How is Aubrey written in other languages?
Gender variants of Aubrey
Common questions about the name Aubrey
What does the name Aubrey mean?
Aubrey means "Fair ruler" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Aubrey?
Aubrey is currently ranked #101 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Aubrey?
Aubrey originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Aubrey?
Aubrey is a two-syllable name pronounced AW-bree. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Aubrey more of a girl or boy name?
Aubrey is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.