What does Audrey mean and where does it come from?
Audrey comes from the Old English name Æðelgyð, from the elements 'æðel' meaning noble and 'gyð' meaning battle. The name has royal connotations and was popularized by St. Audrey, a 7th-century saint. Audrey gained significant popularity in the 20th century, particularly influenced by actress Audrey
Cultural significance
Audrey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble strength.
Peak popularity
Reached #33 in 2013 — currently #74 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Audrey?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Audrey?
Audrey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Audrey Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Audrey Rose
Floral · soft ending
Audrey Mae
Sweet · timeless
Audrey Claire
French influence · crisp
Audrey Jane
Literary · strong
Audrey Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Audrey right now?
Declining — down 7 spots — currently #74 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #74 | 3,040 | ▼ down 7 · -9% births |
| 2022 | #67 | 3,339 | ▼ down 7 · -9% births |
| 2021 | #60 | 3,683 | stable · -1% births |
| 2020 | #60 | 3,735 | ▼ down 23 · -33% births |
| 2015 | #37 | 5,603 | ▲ up 15 · +13% births |
| 2010 | #52 | 4,951 | ▲ up 25 · +20% births |
| 2005 | #77 | 4,135 | ▲ up 38 · +44% births |
| 2000 | #115 | 2,872 | ▲ up 52 · +62% births |
| 1995 | #167 | 1,770 | ▼ down 6 · -2% births |
| 1990 | #161 | 1,798 | ▲ up 25 · +24% births |
| 1985 | #186 | 1,448 | ▲ up 26 · +18% births |
| 1980 | #212 | 1,223 | ▲ up 47 · +31% births |
| 1975 | #259 | 937 | ▼ down 19 · -28% births |
| 1970 | #240 | 1,309 | ▼ down 40 · -21% births |
| 1965 | #200 | 1,660 | — |
The story of Audrey
Audrey has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. Its peak popularity was #33 in 2013. More than 292,648 babies have been named Audrey since 1881. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #385 in 1885 to #74 in 2023. Audrey is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Audrey in 2013:
Audrey by decade
Audrey peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 253 | |
| 1890s | 977 | |
| 1900s | 2,789 | |
| 1910s | 13,546 | |
| 1920s | 38,176 | |
| 1930s | 34,478 | |
| 1940s | 20,012 | |
| 1950s | 22,490 | |
| 1960s | 18,061 | |
| 1970s | 10,534 | |
| 1980s | 14,797 | |
| 1990s | 19,589 | |
| 2000s | 41,600 | |
| 2010s ★ | 51,602 | |
| 2020s | 3,744 | |
What are good nicknames for Audrey?
What names sound and feel like Audrey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Audrey also consider these
How is Audrey written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Audrey
What does the name Audrey mean?
Audrey means "Noble strength" — a name rooted in England 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 Audrey?
Audrey is currently ranked #74 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 Audrey?
Audrey originates from England tradition. England 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 Audrey?
Audrey is a two-syllable name pronounced AO1 D ER0 IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Audrey more of a girl or boy name?
Audrey is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.