Audrey: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Audrey mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Old English: Noble strength
French: Noble

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Audrey is pronounced aw-dree

The name Audrey has Old English origins, derived from the Anglo-Saxon words “æðel” meaning noble and “þryð” meaning strength. It became popular in the medieval period, notably borne by Saint Audrey (St. Etheldreda) of Ely. The elegance and grace associated with the name have been bolstered by cultural icons like Audrey Hepburn, cementing its place as a classic and sophisticated choice.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English: from the Anglo-Norman French personal name female Audrey, via Old French from Germanic Aldric "ancient power." Compare French Autry. Also,the name comes from Æ{dh}el{dh}r̄{dh} "noble strength", Ælf{dh}r̄{dh} "elf strength", and Ealh{dh}r̄{dh} "temple strength."

Famous people with this first name

Audrey Hepburn

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Faith Hill

Greg Kinnear

Audrey in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Audrey Horne from Twin Peaks - A high school student and daughter of a wealthy businessman, known for her flirtatious and rebellious personality.
Audrey Ramotswe from The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency - The protagonist of the series, she is the first female private detective in Botswana.
Audrey Parker from Haven - An FBI agent with a mysterious past who eventually discovers her ties to the town’s supernatural events.
Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors - A man-eating plant that is central to the plot of the musical, characterized by its growing hunger for human blood.
Audrey Griswold from National Lampoon's Vacation - The daughter of the Griswold family, featured in various comedic misadventures during their vacations.

Popularity of the Name Audrey

According to Social Security Administration data, Audrey has remained a consistent favorite, often appearing in the top 50 names for girls over the past few decades. Its timeless charm has kept it popular, particularly since the late 20th century.

The name Audrey rose to prominence in part due to Audrey Hepburn, the iconic actress known for her roles in Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady. Historical figures like Saint Audrey, an Anglo-Saxon princess and abbess, also contributed to the name's enduring appeal. In fiction, the name has been used for characters in Little Shop of Horrors and the Descendants series. The combination of its vintage elegance and modern-day relevance makes Audrey a beloved choice for many parents.