Derived from Old English, Audrey carries the powerful meaning of “noble strength.” It is a moniker that promises resilience and class in equal measure.
Verdict: Audrey is a perfect choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “sweet spot” of popularity, universally recognized and spelled correctly, yet not as ubiquitous as Olivia or Emma. It is a name that will grow gracefully with your child, from a cute toddler “Audie” to a professional adult.
Audrey Overview
- Meaning: The name Audrey means“noble strength.”
- Gender: While some parents might like the idea of naming their son Audrey, it is much more commonly a female name.
- Origin: The name Audrey is of English origin. It comes from the Anglo-Norman words “æthel,” meaning “noble,” and þryð meaning “strength.”
- Pronunciation: Audrey is pronounced “AWD-ree.”
- Popularity: The name is very popular in the United States.
- Nicknames: Aud, Audie, Drey.
- Variations: Audre, Audrie, Audree.
- Namesakes: Audrey Hepburn (actress).
What Does Audrey Mean?
The name Audrey is a contraction of the Old English name Æðelþryð (Etheldreda). When we break this ancient name down etymologically, we find two distinct elements: æthel, which translates to “noble,” and þryð, which translates to “strength.”
Therefore, the comprehensive meaning of Audrey is “noble strength.”
This is not merely a name of beauty; it is a name of character. It suggests a person who possesses high moral principles and the fortitude to uphold them. In a historical context, the “strength” referred to was often spiritual or mental resolve, making it a wonderful virtue name for a modern child.
Where Does the Name Audrey Come From?
Audrey is of English origin, but its journey to the modern day is a fascinating linguistic evolution. It began as the Anglo-Saxon name Etheldreda.
The name’s earliest and most prominent bearer was Saint Etheldreda (died 679 AD), an East Anglian princess and abbess of Ely. She was incredibly popular in the Middle Ages. Over centuries of use, the complex sounds of “Etheldreda” were softened and condensed by the English tongue. By the 16th century, the name had fully Anglicized into the smoother, two-syllable “Audrey.”
A Fascinating Linguistic Twist:
The word “tawdry” actually comes from this name! In the Middle Ages, St. Audrey’s lace (necklaces and ribbons sold at the Saint Audrey’s Fair in Ely) was of high quality. Over time, cheap knock-offs flooded the market. The phrase “St. Audrey’s lace” was slurred into “Tawdry lace,” eventually giving the English language the word “tawdry” to describe something cheap or gaudy, an ironic twist for such a classy name.
How Popular is the Name Audrey?
Audrey is a true “Goldilocks” name regarding popularity: it is well-loved but not overwhelming.
After originating in the Middle Ages, the name saw a decline after the 17th century. It made a massive comeback in the early 20th century, largely peaking in the 1930s due to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
In the 21st century, Audrey has enjoyed a renaissance. It is not a trendy “flash in the pan” that will date your child to a specific decade. Instead, it has remained a stable favorite in the US Top 100 for years. It appeals to parents who want a name that feels traditional like Elizabeth or Katherine, but with a lighter, airier sound. It is currently a widely accepted classic that sits comfortably near the top of the charts without being the number one name (1).
How Do I Pronounce Audrey?
The most common American and British pronunciation is AWD-ree.
It is generally pronounced with two distinct syllables. The “Au” creates a soft “aw” sound (like in “autumn”), followed by a crisp “dree.”
Is Audrey a Boy or Girl Name?
Audrey is historically and overwhelmingly a female name. While names often cross gender lines in the modern era, Audrey has remained firmly in the girls’ camp, likely due to the strong association with iconic women like Audrey Hepburn. While you may technically use it for a boy, it is extremely rare and ranks significantly lower on charts for boys than for girls.
Variations of Audrey
If you love the sound of Audrey but want a different spelling or cultural spin, consider these variations:
- Audree: A phonetic spelling that emphasizes the “ee” ending.
- Audrie: A common variation often used in the American South.
- Audra: An English variation that feels slightly more serious and grounded.
- Audriana: An elaborated, more frilly version of the name.
- Etheldreda: The original Old English form (rare and vintage).
- Awdrey: An archaic English spelling.
Nicknames for Audrey
Audrey is short and sweet enough to stand on its own, but affectionate nicknames are always fun.
Common Nicknames:
- Aud: The most natural, quick shorthand.
- Audie: A cute, vintage-sounding diminutive suitable for toddlers.
- Drey: A cool, modern, slightly tomboyish option.
Creative & Unique Nicknames:
- Birdie: A stretch, but a sweet “pet name” vibe that fits the vintage era.
- Rey (or Raye): Pulled from the last syllable, giving the name a spunky, modern edge.
- DeeDee: A playful repetition of the central “d” sound.
Names Similar to Audrey
If Audrey is almost right but not quite the one, try these names that share a similar “vibe” or sound:
- Aubrey: Often confused with Audrey, this has a similar sound but a more unisex, modern feel.
- Alice: Shares the same vintage, sweet-but-strong energy.
- Clara: Another “Old Hollywood” name that is currently enjoying a revival.
- Evelyn: Matches Audrey’s elegance and ends with a soft consonant sound.
- Hazel: A nature name that shares the vintage charm of the 1920s.
- Stella: Latin for “star,” this shares the celestial, bright feeling of Audrey.
- Lydia: A classic name with a similar rhythm.
- Elise: A French-origin name that feels sophisticated and timeless.
Middle Names for Audrey
Audrey pairs beautifully with a wide variety of middle names. Because it ends in a vowel sound, it flows well with names starting with consonants.
Classic & Timeless
These pairings lean into the traditional, noble roots of the name.
Nature-Inspired & Whimsical
Soften the “noble strength” with a touch of the earth.
Modern & Spunky
Give the vintage first name a contemporary kick.
- Audrey Quinn
- Audrey Harper
- Audrey Sloane
- Audrey Reese
- Audrey Blair
- Audrey Piper
Sibling Names for Audrey
Building a sib-set around Audrey means looking for names that are classic, easy to spell, and have a touch of history.
For a Brother
- Arthur: Like Audrey, this is a “noble” name with deep British roots.
- Henry: A classic that never goes out of style.
- Oliver: A popular choice that matches Audrey’s softness.
- Julian: Sophisticated and gentle strength.
- Theodore: “Teddy” and “Audie” make a cute pair.
- Emmett: A slightly more rugged, vintage option.
For a Sister
- Eleanor: Matches Audrey in vintage weight and elegance.
- Charlotte: A feminine, royal-sounding match.
- Nora: Short, retro, and full of light.
- Amelia: A very popular name that shares the initial “A” vowel.
- Vivian: “Audrey and Vivian” sounds like a 1940s movie duo.
- Caroline: Sweet, Southern, and polished.
Famous People Named Audrey
- Audrey Hepburn (1929, 1993): The British actress, fashion icon, and humanitarian who is arguably the most famous bearer of the name. She defined elegance in films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
- Audrey Tautou: A French actress best known worldwide for her whimsical role in the film Amélie.
- Audrey Faith Perry (Faith Hill): The country music superstar’s birth name is Audrey; she goes by her middle name, Faith.
- Audrey Meadows: An American actress famous for playing Alice Kramden on the 1950s sitcom The Honeymooners.
- Audrey Niffenegger: The acclaimed author of the best-selling novel The Time Traveler’s Wife.
- Audrey Flack: A pioneering American artist and sculptor known for her photorealism work.
Audrey in Pop Culture
- Audrey Ramirez: The tough, mechanical engineer character in Disney’s animated film Atlantis: The Lost Empire.
- Audrey Horne: A central, mysterious character in the cult classic TV series Twin Peaks.
- Audrey: The name given to the carnivorous plant (Audrey II) and the sweet heroine in the musical Little Shop of Horrors.
- Audrey Griswold: The daughter in the famous National Lampoon’s Vacation film series.
- Little Audrey: A classic cartoon character from the mid-20th century known for her distinct laugh.
FAQs About the Name Audrey
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about the name Audrey.
Is Audrey a Good Girl Name?
Absolutely. Audrey is widely considered an excellent choice for a girl. It strikes a rare balance: it is sophisticated enough for an adult professional yet cute enough for a baby. The meaning, “noble strength,” imparts a sense of empowerment. It is also easy to spell and pronounce, saving your child a lifetime of correcting others.
Is There a Saint Audrey?
Yes, there is a Saint Audrey, historically known as Æthelthryth or Etheldreda (2). She was an East Anglian queen who founded the monastery at Ely. She is the patron saint of throat complaints.
Interestingly, the word “tawdry” is derived from her name. Cheap lace necklaces sold at the “Saint Audrey’s Fair” were eventually called “tawdry lace,” leading to the modern definition of the word.
Is Audrey an Attractive Name?
Yes, Audrey is frequently cited as a beautiful and attractive name. It has a “soft” sound due to the vowels but retains a classic structure. In surveys and naming forums, it is often associated with beauty, grace, and intelligence, largely due to the enduring legacy of Audrey Hepburn.
Is Audrey a Biblical Name?
No, the name Audrey does not appear in the Bible. It is of Anglo-Saxon/English origin rather than Hebrew or Greek. However, it is a deeply spiritual name due to its origins with Saint Etheldreda, one of the most popular English saints of the medieval period.
Is Audrey an Old-Fashioned Name?
Audrey is considered a “vintage revival” name. While it was very popular in the early 1900s, it does not feel dusty or outdated today. Like the names Eleanor, Hazel, and Violet, it has shaken off the “grandma” label to become a chic, fresh choice for modern babies. It feels established and rooted in history rather than simply old.
