Aubrey

Pronunciation: [ AWBR-ee ]

Boy Name #1,759 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A medieval elf-ruler name with Victorian literary charm

English French American

Vintage Literary Sophisticated Classic

Meaning & Origin

"elf ruler"

Origin: Germanic

Language: English

"ruler of supernatural beings"

Origin: Old Germanic

Language: German

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.

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

Famous People Named Aubrey

Aubrey Drake Graham

Musician

1986

Canadian rapper and singer known as Drake, one of the best-selling music artists of all time

Aubrey Beardsley

Artist

1872

Controversial Victorian illustrator and key figure of the Aesthetic movement and Art Nouveau

Oberon Fictional

Other

King of the Fairies in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, sharing etymology with Aubrey through the elf-ruler root

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

Pairs Well With

Aubrey James Aubrey Thomas Aubrey Edward Aubrey Charles Aubrey William Aubrey Sebastian

Sibling Names

Dorian Basil Vivian Percival Cecil Algernon

Also a Girl Name

Aubrey is also used as a girl name, ranked #130.

View Aubrey as a girl name →

Similar Names

Ava Emery Emory Ivory Avie Ivey Ivory Audra

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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.