"elf ruler"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Aubrey
Pronunciation: [ AWBR-ee ]
Does Aubrey flow with your last name?
A medieval elf-ruler name with Victorian literary charm
English
French
American
Vintage
Literary
Sophisticated
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"ruler of supernatural beings"
Origin: Old Germanic
Language: German
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Things to Know About This Name
- Now predominantly used as a girl's name in the US, which may cause confusion when given to boys
The Story of Aubrey
Aubrey is the English form of the Germanic name Alberic, composed of alb (elf) and ric (ruler, power), meaning elf ruler or ruler of the elves. It came to England with the Normans as Aubri or Aubery and was a medieval male name before crossing to female usage in the 20th century.
Aubrey was historically a male name in England and France. In the 20th century it shifted predominantly to female use in the United States, largely influenced by the 1972 song Aubrey by the band Bread. For boys, it now carries an intentionally vintage, pre-modern quality.
Aubrey Beardsley, the controversial Victorian illustrator, is perhaps the most famous male Aubrey. The name appears in aristocratic English families and has a decidedly literary and aesthetic quality.
Historical Record
Aubrey first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 15,098 babies have been named Aubrey in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Aubrey is past its peak , currently ranked #1,759 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898) was a celebrated and controversial Victorian illustrator known for his Art Nouveau drawings
- The name shifted from predominantly male to female use in America during the 20th century
- Aubrey de Vere was one of the most distinguished Norman families who came to England with William the Conqueror
Aubrey in Other Languages
French
Auberi
German
Albrich
Spanish
Aubrey
Old Norman
Aubri
Popularity Over Time
#1,759
Current Rank
Peaked 1953
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,759
- Total SSA Count
- 94
- Cultural Origins
- English French American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Aub
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
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Aubrey
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Aubrey is also used as a girl name, ranked #130.
View Aubrey as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aubrey
What does the name Aubrey mean?
"elf ruler" (from Germanic). "ruler of supernatural beings" (from Old Germanic). Aubrey is the English form of the Germanic name Alberic, composed of alb (elf) and ric (ruler, power), meaning elf ruler or ruler of the elves. It came to England with the Normans as Aubri or Aubery and was a medieval male name before crossing to female usage in the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Aubrey?
Aubrey has Germanic, Old Germanic, English, French, and American origins. In Germanic, it means "elf ruler". In Old Germanic, it means "ruler of supernatural beings".
Is Aubrey a boy or girl name?
Aubrey is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1759. As a girl name, it is ranked #130. 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 #1759 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Aubrey?
Common nicknames for Aubrey include Aub.
What are good middle names for Aubrey?
Popular middle name pairings include Aubrey James, Aubrey Thomas, Aubrey Edward, Aubrey Charles, Aubrey William, and Aubrey Sebastian.
What are good sibling names for Aubrey?
Names that pair well with Aubrey as siblings include Dorian, Basil, Vivian, Percival, Cecil, and Algernon.
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 an uncommon name, ranked #1759 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Aubrey
Aubrey is a boy name with English, French, and American origins . The name means "elf ruler" in Germanic .
Is Aubrey a boy or girl name? Aubrey is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,759 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #130. Aubrey is more commonly used as a girl name.
Aubrey is currently ranked #1,759 in popularity for boy 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 Aub. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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