Audrey is a feminine given name of English origin that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The name is derived from the Old English elements "æð" meaning "noble" or "dark" and "rīc" meaning "power". Thus, Audrey translates to "noble strength".
The name Audrey first came into use during the Middle Ages in England, where it was often used as a diminutive form of names such as Aelfthryth and Ealdgyth. Over time, Audrey evolved into an independent given name in its own right.
Some notable individuals with the name Audrey include French actress Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993), known for her iconic roles in films like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Roman Holiday", as well as American singer-songwriter Audrey Aimee Lee, professionally known as Aubrey Peeples. These individuals have helped to popularize the name Audrey further, contributing to its increasing usage today.
Despite its English origins, Audrey has been adopted by various cultures around the world and is now used in countries such as France, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Its meaning of "noble strength" makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name that conveys power and elegance.
These statistics show a name, Audrie, that was quite popular in the early to mid 20th century, peaking between 1920 and 1950 with over 30 births per year for several years. However, it appears that this popularity declined significantly after the 1950s, with fewer than 20 births per year from 1960 onwards, and even fewer in recent years, with only 39 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 4037 births named Audrie since 1902.