Aubrey is a fascinating study in linguistic evolution. It strikes a delicate balance between vintage sophistication and modern approachability. Once a stiff, aristocratic choice for Norman noblemen, it has softened over the centuries into one of the most beloved names for baby girls in America, while retaining a cool, rhythmic edge that still works for boys. It feels undeniably magical, likely due to its folklore-heavy etymology, yet fits perfectly on a contemporary playground alongside Avery and Audrey.
Rooted in ancient Germanic legend, the name carries the translation of “elf ruler.” It isn’t just a name of leadership; it suggests a leader with mystical intuition or charm. This softens the authority of the name, giving it a whimsical “cottagecore” vibe rather than a harsh military feel.
Verdict: Aubrey is an excellent choice for a baby born in 2026. It offers the familiarity of a top-tier hit without feeling trendy or fleeting. Its unisex history gives it a resume-ready strength, while its vowel-heavy sound makes it gentle and melodic.
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.
What Does Aubrey Mean?
Go beyond the surface definition, and you find a name steeped in mythology. Aubrey is the English derivative of the Germanic name Alberich. This ancient moniker is a compound of two elements: alp meaning “elf” or “supernatural being,” and ric meaning “power,” “ruler,” or “king.”
Therefore, the full etymological meaning is “Elf King” or “Ruler of the Elves.” In Germanic mythology, Alberich was a specific and powerful sorcerer-king of the dwarfs (often conflated with elves in early folklore) who guarded the treasure of the Nibelungen (1). While “elf” might conjure images of Santa’s helpers today, in ancient history, it denoted powerful, magical, and sometimes mischievous nature spirits.
Where Does the Name Aubrey Come From?
The journey of Aubrey is a tour through European history. It began as the Old High German Alberich. When the Normans invaded England in 1066, they brought the name with them in its French form, Aubri.
The English adopted it as Aubrey. For centuries, it was a common male name in England, often used as a successor to the Old English name Ælfric (2). It remained a strictly male name well into the 20th century, associated with British gentility. It wasn’t until the 1970s and 80s in America that the name began to shift toward unisex usage, eventually tipping the scales to become a predominantly female name in the modern era.
How Popular is the Name Aubrey?
Aubrey is a modern powerhouse that has transitioned from a rising star to a stable classic. After skyrocketing in the early 2000s, aided by the “Bre” sound trend found in names like Brianna and Gabrielle, it entered the Top 20 girl names in the United States, peaking at number 15 in 2012.
Currently, the name has cooled slightly but remains comfortably within the Top 100. It is no longer “trendy” in a way that dates the child; rather, it has established itself as a staple choice for parents who want something recognizable but not as ubiquitous as Emma or Olivia.
For boys, the story is different. Aubrey dropped out of the Top 1000 for boys in 2002 (3). However, among parents seeking vintage, soft-masculine names (similar to the revival of Basil or Florian), Aubrey remains a distinguished, albeit rare, choice.
How Do I Pronounce Aubrey?
The standard American English pronunciation is AW-bree. The first syllable rhymes with “saw” or “law,” and the second syllable is a bright “bree” sound.
In some British dialects, the first syllable may be clipped slightly shorter, closer to “O-bree,” but the emphasis almost always remains on the first syllable.
Is Aubrey a Boy or Girl Name?
Aubrey is technically a unisex name, though statistically, it is overwhelmingly female in the United States today. If you name a daughter Aubrey in 2026, she will likely meet other girls with the name. If you name a son Aubrey, he will have a unique name that carries a strong literary and historical pedigree.
Variations of Aubrey
Because the name traveled through Germany, France, and England, it has several spelling variations. Modern parents have also invented new spellings to make the name feel distinct.
- Aubri / Aubrie: A common feminized spelling that emphasizes the “ie” ending popular in names like Kylie or Sophie.
- Aubree: This spelling has become very popular on its own, often used to clarify pronunciation or distinguish it from the traditional male spelling.
- Aubreigh: A version utilizing the “-eigh” suffix trend.
- Alberich: The original Old German form (strictly masculine).
- Albéric: The modern French male variation.
- Aubéry: A French surname variant.
Nicknames for Aubrey
Aubrey is short enough to be used without a nickname, but there are several affectionate options available. Beyond the obvious, there are a few creative choices parents love:
- Bree: The most common and spirited nickname.
- Aub: A short, punchy version mostly used by family.
- Aubs: A friendly, casual diminutive.
- Rey: A modern, cool nickname taken from the second syllable.
- Bear: A playful nickname derived from the sound “Aub-bear-y.”
- Ari: A stretch, but workable for parents who want a gender-neutral nickname.
Names Similar to Aubrey
If you love the vibe of Aubrey but want to explore other options, consider these names that share its soft vowels, unisex history, or magical meaning:
- Audrey: The closest sound-alike. It is more vintage Hollywood (Hepburn) than Aubrey.
- Avery: Shares the “A” start and the unisex history, originally meaning “ruler of the elves” as well (from Alfred).
- Autumn: captures the same warm, brownish-gold color palette and “Au” beginning.
- Aspen: A nature name that feels modern, unisex, and soft.
- Ellery: A rare, rhythmic surname-name that feels very similar to Aubrey.
- Rowan: Like Aubrey, this is a unisex name with deep roots in folklore and nature.
- Emery: Another German-root name meaning “industrious” that shares the ending sound.
- Briar: Pulls from the “Bree” sound but leans heavily into the fairytale/nature aesthetic.
Middle Names for Aubrey
Because Aubrey ends in a long “E” sound, it pairs beautifully with single-syllable names or longer, consonant-heavy names. Here are three distinct styles to help you choose.
Classic & Timeless
These middle names ground Aubrey in tradition, making it feel elegant and mature.
Modern & Nature-Inspired
Play up the “Elf Ruler” meaning with these earthy, whimsical choices.
Short & Spunky
These names give the full moniker a rhythmic pop and plenty of energy.
- Aubrey Quinn
- Aubrey Kate
- Aubrey Blair
- Aubrey Paige
- Aubrey Blake
- Aubrey Reese
Sibling Names for Aubrey
Building a sib-set requires matching the style. Aubrey sits right on the fence between “modern surname” and “vintage classic,” so it pairs well with both.
For a Brother
These names share a soft masculinity or a surname-style history.
For a Sister
These choices match Aubrey’s popularity and effortless charm.
Famous People Named Aubrey
The name is well-represented in Hollywood and the music industry. Notable namesakes include:
- Aubrey “Drake” Graham: Known globally by his middle name, Drake is one of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation.
- Aubrey Plaza: An American actress and comedian famous for her deadpan style in Parks and Recreation and The White Lotus.
- Aubrey Anderson-Emmons: The young actress who charmed audiences as Lily Tucker-Pritchett on the hit sitcom Modern Family.
- Aubrey Beardsley: A legendary 19th-century English illustrator and author, a leading figure in the Aesthetic movement alongside Oscar Wilde.
- Aubrey O’Day: An American singer and reality television personality, formerly of the girl group Danity Kane.
Aubrey in Pop Culture
From literature to video games, the name appears frequently in fiction.
- Captain Jack Aubrey: The protagonist of Patrick O’Brian’s acclaimed Aubrey-Maturin sea-faring novels (and the film Master and Commander).
- Aubrey Posen: A major character in the Pitch Perfect film franchise, known for her intense personality.
- “Aubrey”: A 1972 soft-rock hit song by the band Bread, which significantly boosted the name’s popularity for girls in the 70s.
- Aubrey: A main character in the cult-hit indie RPG video game OMORI.
FAQs About the Name Aubrey
Still have questions? Here is everything else you need to know about this magical moniker.
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.
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.
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.
Is the Name Aubrey Outdated?
No, Aubrey is considered a “modern classic.” While names like Tiffany or Jessica feel tied to specific decades, Aubrey has maintained a steady popularity in the 21st century. It fits in with the current trend of vowel-heavy, soft names like Avery and Audrey, ensuring it feels fresh rather than dusty.
Is Aubrey Related to the Name Oberon?
Yes, they are linguistic cousins! Both Aubrey and Oberon (the King of the Fairies in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream) derive from the same Germanic source, Alberich. Aubrey came through the French lineage, while Oberon came through a different dialectical shift. Both retain the “Elf King” meaning.
What Is the Male vs Female Spelling of Aubrey?
Traditionally, “Aubrey” was the spelling used for both boys and girls. However, in recent years, parents have increasingly used “Aubree” or “Aubrie” specifically for girls to make it appear more feminine. If you are naming a boy, the classic “Aubrey” spelling is highly recommended to avoid confusion.
Why Did Aubrey Become a Girl Name?
The shift began in the 1970s, largely attributed to the song “Aubrey” by the band Bread. The song refers to a woman, which planted the seed in the American consciousness. This was compounded by the rising popularity of the name Audrey, making Aubrey feel like a natural, slightly more modern alternative for daughters.
Is Aubrey a Royal Name?
While not used by immediate British royalty for their children historically, the name has aristocratic roots. The De Vere family, who were the Earls of Oxford for centuries, frequently used the name Aubrey for their patriarchs. It has a “posh” reputation in the UK, distinct from its more mainstream popularity in the US.
