"elf ruler, supernatural power"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Aubrey
Pronunciation: [ AWBR-ee ]
Does Aubrey flow with your last name?
An elvish ruler name with fairy-tale magic
English
French
American
Modern
Elegant
Whimsical
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"supernatural power"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
"king of elves"
Origin: Old French via Germanic
Language: English
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Aubrey
Aubrey is derived from the Old French Aubri, itself from the Germanic Alberich, composed of 'alb' (elf, supernatural being) and 'ric' (ruler, power). Alberich was a legendary dwarf king in Germanic mythology who guarded the Nibelung treasure. The name came to England with the Normans in 1066 and was originally exclusively male before transitioning to predominantly female use in the 20th century.
Aubrey crossed from a boys' to girls' name in the US during the 1970s, boosted by the 1972 hit song 'Aubrey' by Bread. By the 2000s it had become firmly feminine and entered the top 100 girl names by the 2010s.
In medieval legend, Auberon (Aubrey) was the king of the fairies — a name that evokes the magical, otherworldly quality of elves and supernatural beings. This whimsical heritage gives the name a charming ethereal quality.
Historical Record
Aubrey first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 130,641 babies have been named Aubrey in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Aubrey is past its peak , currently ranked #130 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Aubrey was a top 100 girl name in the US from 2011-2019
- The medieval fairy king Oberon in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream is related to the name Aubrey through its French root Auberon
Aubrey in Other Languages
French
Aubry
German
Albrecht/Alberich
Italian
Aubreyo
Spanish
Aubrey
Popularity Over Time
#130
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2012
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Aubrey
A
Aubrey Graham (Drake)
Musician
1986
Canadian rapper and actor, one of the best-selling music artists of all time
A
Aubrey Plaza
Actor
1984
American actress and comedian known for Parks and Recreation and The White Lotus
A
Aubrey O'Day
Musician
1984
American singer and television personality, member of Danity Kane
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Compare Aubrey with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #130
- Total SSA Count
- 2,209
- Cultural Origins
- English French American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Aubs
Bree
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Aubrey
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Aubrey is also used as a boy name, ranked #1759.
View Aubrey as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Aubrey →Compare Aubrey with...
Same Origin Names (English)
See all English names →Names with Similar Meaning
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aubrey
What does the name Aubrey mean?
"elf ruler, supernatural power" (from Germanic). "supernatural power" (from Old French). "king of elves" (from Old French via Germanic). Aubrey is derived from the Old French Aubri, itself from the Germanic Alberich, composed of 'alb' (elf, supernatural being) and 'ric' (ruler, power). Alberich was a legendary dwarf king in Germanic mythology who guarded the Nibelung treasure. The name came to England with the Normans in 1066 and was originally exclusively male before transitioning to predominantly female use in the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Aubrey?
Aubrey has Germanic, Old French, Old French via Germanic, English, French, and American origins. In Germanic, it means "elf ruler, supernatural power". In Old French, it means "supernatural power". In Old French via Germanic, it means "king of elves".
Is Aubrey a boy or girl name?
Aubrey is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #130. As a boy name, it is ranked #1759. Aubrey is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Aubrey?
Aubrey is pronounced AWBR-ee.
How popular is the name Aubrey?
Aubrey is currently ranked #130 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Aubrey?
Common nicknames for Aubrey include Aubs and Bree.
What are good middle names for Aubrey?
Popular middle name pairings include Aubrey Grace, Aubrey Rose, Aubrey Mae, Aubrey Claire, Aubrey Elise, Aubrey Jade, and Aubrey Kate.
What are good sibling names for Aubrey?
Names that pair well with Aubrey as siblings include Avery, Hadley, Finley, Quinn, Emerson, and Brynn.
How many syllables does Aubrey have?
Aubrey has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Aubrey a common or rare name?
Aubrey is a popular name, ranked #130 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Aubrey?
About the Name Aubrey
Aubrey is a girl name with English, French, and American origins . The name means "elf ruler, supernatural power" in Germanic .
Is Aubrey a boy or girl name? Aubrey is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #130 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,759. Aubrey is more commonly used as a girl name.
Aubrey is currently ranked #130 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Aubrey has 2 syllables and is pronounced AWBR-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Aubrey include Aubs and Bree. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Aubrey include Aubree, Aubrie, Aubriella, Aubrielle, Aubri . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis