Aubrey first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Aubrey has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Aubrey

A diminutive of the Germanic name Alberich, derived from words meaning "elf" and "power/ruler".

Popularity of Aubrey by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Aubrey is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 94% of people named Aubrey being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,573 female babies and 133 male babies born with the name Aubrey.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 133 baby boys were named Aubrey in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 133 2,573
2022 135 2,982
2021 157 3,509
2020 143 3,910
2019 148 4,589
2018 156 5,206
2017 139 5,928
2016 131 6,548
2015 148 7,399
2014 135 7,631
2013 137 7,977
2012 152 8,056
2011 142 7,181
2010 143 5,363
2009 145 5,406
2008 135 5,568
2007 138 4,506
2006 142 3,660
2005 148 2,264
2004 145 1,816
2003 137 1,757
2002 172 1,641
2001 165 1,505
2000 189 1,410
1999 183 1,252
1998 178 1,252
1997 196 1,134
1996 207 1,095
1995 209 1,044
1994 230 1,102
1993 198 1,058
1992 209 1,108
1991 190 923
1990 203 936
1989 190 794
1988 210 838
1987 199 822
1986 231 721
1985 233 770
1984 190 624
1983 189 590
1982 191 638
1981 191 527
1980 176 480
1979 184 471
1978 177 389
1977 175 335
1976 162 263
1975 199 229
1974 174 185

The history of the first name Aubrey

The name Aubrey has its origins in the Old French and Old Germanic languages, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Germanic root "alf" meaning "elf" or "supernatural being," combined with the Old French "bri" or "briu," meaning "ruler" or "power."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Aubrey can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name was typically given to boys during this period, reflecting the influence of Norman-French culture after the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

In the 12th century, the name Aubrey appeared in the medieval French epic poem "The Song of Roland," where it was borne by one of the protagonists, a valiant knight in Charlemagne's army. This literary reference contributed to the name's popularity and association with bravery and chivalry.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Aubrey. One of the most famous was Aubrey de Vere, a 13th-century English nobleman and crusader who participated in the Fifth and Sixth Crusades (born around 1188, died in 1263). Another prominent figure was Aubrey de Vere, a 16th-century English poet and courtier during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (born in 1540, died in 1626).

In the 17th century, the name gained further prominence with Aubrey de Vere, the 20th Earl of Oxford (born in 1627, died in 1703), a prominent English nobleman and patron of the arts. During this time, the name also became associated with the influential Aubrey family, which produced several notable figures, including John Aubrey, a 17th-century antiquarian and writer (born in 1626, died in 1697).

Another significant bearer of the name was Aubrey Beardsley, a renowned English illustrator and author from the late 19th century (born in 1872, died in 1898). His distinctive black-and-white illustrations, known for their bold and controversial style, had a lasting impact on the Art Nouveau movement.

In the 20th century, the name Aubrey continued to be used, with notable figures such as Aubrey Hepburn, a British film producer and father of the iconic actress Audrey Hepburn (born in 1905, died in 1994), and Aubrey Menen, an Indian-born British novelist and satirist (born in 1912, died in 1989).

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Aubrey was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Aubrey, please contact us.

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"Aubrey first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on November 8, 2024. http://namecensus.com/first-names/aubrey-meaning-and-history/.

"Aubrey first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/aubrey-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 8 November, 2024

Aubrey first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/aubrey-meaning-and-history/.

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