Aubrey means “elf ruler” or “fairy king” and comes from the Germanic languages. The name also carries the possible meaning of “ruler of the world” through historical Gaulish influence. With its melodic two-syllable rhythm and deep folklore connections, it provides parents with an appealing blend of tradition and modern style.
Parents exploring names with European roots can consult a guide to baby name meanings to compare similar classic possibilities. While Aubrey began as a traditional masculine choice, it later transformed into a favored option for girls, maintaining steady appeal across decades.
Aubrey Meaning and Origin
The name Aubrey traces back through Middle English forms Aubrey and Aubry, which developed from the Norman Auberi and Alberi. Those Norman variations originated from the Latin Alberīcus, which was a Latinized rendering of the Old High German Alberich. Alberich itself stems from the Proto-Germanic name *Albirīks, created by uniting two ancient root words: *albiz, meaning “elf” or “fairy”, and *rīks, meaning “king” or “ruler”. Because of this linguistic foundation, the name is understood to mean “elf ruler” or “fairy king”.
In addition to its Germanic heritage, the name was possibly influenced by the Gaulish Albiorīx, a compound that literally translates to “ruler of the world”. The name also shares close connections with cognates in other European languages, including German Alberich and Italian Alberico.
Historically, Aubrey was established as a male given name from the Germanic languages or as a name transferred from the surname. William Shakespeare included the name in his historical play The Third Part of Henry the Sixt, written around 1591 to 1592 and published in London by Isaac Iaggard and Edward Blount in the First Folio collection. Over time, the surname usage transitioned into a given name for women as well, specifically appearing as a female given name transferred from the surname in 1970s and later American usage.
Pronunciation
Aubrey is pronounced AW-bree. The first syllable rhymes with raw, and the second syllable rhymes with see. Stress is placed on the initial syllable, giving the name a soft yet distinctive sound.
Popularity in the US
The name Aubrey first appears in 1889 and has been given most often to girls, though about 18.9% were boys. In 1950, it stood at number 3,439 with 10 babies, before climbing up to number 446 with 480 babies in 1980. The name advanced to number 223 with 1,410 babies in 2000, continuing its ascent to reach number 45 with 5,367 babies in 2010. Aubrey reached its peak rank of number 15 in 2012, while later holding number 56 with 3,921 babies in 2020. By 2025, it ranked at number 146 with 2,003 babies, bringing the overall total to 133,515 US girls given the name since 1889.
| Year | US rank (girls) | Babies named Aubrey |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #3,439 | 10 |
| 1980 | #446 | 480 |
| 2000 | #223 | 1,410 |
| 2010 | #45 | 5,367 |
| 2020 | #56 | 3,921 |
| 2025 | #146 | 2,003 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Common short forms and nicknames for Aubrey include:
- Aubs
- Aubie
- Bree
- Bria
- Rey
Famous People Named Aubrey
Several well-known figures share the name Aubrey across the arts and entertainment:
- Aubrey Plaza: An American actress, producer, and comedian who gained widespread recognition for playing April Ludgate on the sitcom Parks and Recreation before starring in drama and comedy films.
- Aubrey Graham: A Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter known internationally by his middle name, Drake, who originally gained notice as an actor on television.
- Aubrey Beardsley: A prominent English author and illustrator whose black-ink artwork played a leading role in the aesthetic movement of the late Victorian era.
Middle and Sibling Names
Middle names that pair smoothly with Aubrey include Grace, Jane, Rose, Claire, Elizabeth, and Celeste.
Sibling names that complement Aubrey include Liam, Ethan, Owen, Lucas, Chloe, and Penelope.
FAQ
When was Aubrey first counted in United States baby name tallies?
Aubrey first appeared in official United States tallies in 1889. That marked the earliest year the name was counted for American children, beginning its long presence in the national counts.
How many American girls have received the name Aubrey in total?
A total of 133,515 US girls have received the name Aubrey since 1889. That cumulative count reflects widespread use across multiple generations of American families.
How does Aubrey’s highest ranking compare with its 2025 standing?
Aubrey reached its peak rank at number 15 in 2012, compared to rank 146 in 2025. That contrast shows that while its highest point occurred in 2012, it still retained a solid position within the top two hundred names in 2025.
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