The name Audra has its origins in the Lithuanian language. It is a feminine form of the name Audrius, which is derived from the Old Norse word "audr," meaning wealth or prosperity. The name was first used in Lithuania and other Baltic regions during the Middle Ages.

In Lithuanian mythology, Audra was the name of the goddess of storms and thunder. This connection to nature and the elements may have contributed to the name's popularity in the region. The earliest recorded use of the name Audra dates back to the 16th century.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Audra was Audra Andziulytė-Ruginienė (1892-1962), a Lithuanian writer and translator. She was known for her works that celebrated Lithuanian culture and folklore. Another notable Audra was Audra Skuodytė (1924-2015), a Lithuanian painter and artist who was celebrated for her abstract and expressionist works.

In the realm of literature, the name Audra was used for a character in the novel "The Deluge" by Polish writer Henryk Sienkiewicz, published in 1886. This novel is part of Sienkiewicz's historical fiction trilogy set during the 17th-century Swedish invasion of Poland.

Moving to the United States, one of the earliest recorded instances of the name Audra was Audra Marie Lindley (1918-1997), an American actress known for her roles in TV shows like "Three's Company" and "The Honorable Nelle Trent." She was a five-time Primetime Emmy Award nominee and won the award in 1982 for her role in "She's the Sheriff."

Another notable American Audra was Audra McDonald (born 1970), a highly acclaimed actress and singer who has won six Tony Awards, more than any other actor in history. She is known for her performances in musicals like "Ragtime," "A Raisin in the Sun," and "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess."