"noble strength"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Audra
Girl Name
#1,939 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
Noble strength or Lithuanian storm — two powerful legacies
Lithuanian
American
English
Elegant
Classic
Strong
Vintage
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"storm"
Origin: Lithuanian
Language: Lithuanian
The Story of Audra
Audra carries two distinct and equally compelling origin stories. As a Lithuanian name, 'audra' simply means 'storm' — a bold, elemental force deeply rooted in Baltic nature worship. As an English name, Audra is a variant of Audrey, derived from the Old English 'Æðelþryð,' composed of 'æðel' (noble) and 'þryð' (strength). The 7th-century Saint Etheldreda — known as Audrey in medieval England — was a queen who founded the monastery at Ely, and her shrine became one of England's great pilgrimage destinations.
Audra had moderate popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century, benefiting from Audrey's elegance with a slightly less common feel. Actress and singer Audra McDonald, who holds the all-time record for Tony Award wins by a performer, has kept the name's cultural visibility high.
The word 'tawdry' derives from 'Saint Audrey's lace' — cheap silk necklaces sold at the annual St. Audrey Fair in Ely, England, which had become so degraded in quality over the centuries that 'St. Audrey's lace' became a synonym for shoddy goods. In Lithuanian culture, Audra (storm) reflects Baltic nature worship and the tradition of naming girls after powerful natural forces.
Fun Facts
- The English word 'tawdry' (meaning cheap and showy) derives from 'Saint Audrey's lace,' sold at medieval fairs honoring Saint Etheldreda/Audrey at Ely Cathedral
- In Lithuanian, 'audra' simply means 'storm' — making it one of the most dramatically elemental names in everyday use
- Audra McDonald holds the record for most Tony Awards won by any performer: 6 wins across multiple categories
Audra in Other Languages
French
Audrée
German
Audra
English
Audrey
Spanish
Audra
Lithuanian
Audra
Famous People Named Audra
A
Audra McDonald
Entertainer
1970
American actress and singer who holds the record for most Tony Awards won by any performer (6), known for her extraordin...
American actress and singer who holds the record for most Tony Awards won by any performer (6), known for her extraordinary vocal range
A
Audra Lindley
Actor
1918
American actress best known for playing the warmly comic Mrs. Roper on the sitcom Three's Company
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,939
- Total SSA Count
- 102
- Cultural Origins
- Lithuanian American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Aud
Audie
Pairs Well With
Audra Grace
Audra Rose
Audra Marie
Audra Lynn
Audra Jo
Audra Jean
Audra Lee
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Audra is also used as a boy name, ranked #38192.
View Audra as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Audra
What does the name Audra mean?
"noble strength" (from Old English). "storm" (from Lithuanian). Audra carries two distinct and equally compelling origin stories. As a Lithuanian name, 'audra' simply means 'storm' — a bold, elemental force deeply rooted in Baltic nature worship. As an English name, Audra is a variant of Audrey, derived from the Old English 'Æðelþryð,' composed of 'æðel' (noble) and 'þryð' (strength). The 7th-century Saint Etheldreda — known as Audrey in medieval England — was a queen who founded the monastery at Ely, and her shrine became one of England's great pilgrimage destinations.
What is the origin of the name Audra?
Audra has Old English, Lithuanian, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "noble strength". In Lithuanian, it means "storm".
Is Audra a boy or girl name?
Audra is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1939. As a boy name, it is ranked #38192. Audra is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Audra?
Audra is currently ranked #1939 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Audra?
Common nicknames for Audra include Aud and Audie.
What are good middle names for Audra?
Popular middle name pairings include Audra Grace, Audra Rose, Audra Marie, Audra Lynn, Audra Jo, Audra Jean, and Audra Lee.
What are good sibling names for Audra?
Names that pair well with Audra as siblings include Mira, Ingrid, Elsa, Lena, Oscar, Viktor, and Soren.
How many syllables does Audra have?
Audra has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Audra a common or rare name?
Audra is an uncommon name, ranked #1939 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Audra
Audra is a girl name with Lithuanian, American, and English origins . The name means "noble strength" in Old English .
Is Audra a boy or girl name? Audra is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,939 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #38,192. Audra is more commonly used as a girl name.
Audra is currently ranked #1,939 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Audra has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Audra include Aud and Audie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Audra include Audrey, Audrina, Audriana, Audrianna, Audree . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.