Audrey: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Audrey is an Old English name meaning 'noble strength'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- AW-dreeˈɔː.dri
- Origin
- Old English
- Meaning
- Audrey is an Old English name meaning 'noble strength'.
- Gender
- Girl's name
- Syllables
- 2
- Nicknames
- Aud, Audie, Dree
- US Popularity (2025)
- #86 — 📉 Falling
What Does Audrey Mean?
Audrey is a medieval English shortening of Æthelthryth, a name built from æthel, meaning 'noble', and thryth, meaning 'strength'. The bearer was Saint Etheldreda, a seventh-century Anglo-Saxon queen and abbess of Ely, and her name was worn down over the centuries to Audrey.
The word 'tawdry' comes from the name too: it began as 'Saint Audrey's lace', a cheap necklace sold at the saint's fair in Ely. The name itself recovered completely in the twentieth century, and it is most strongly linked today to the actress Audrey Hepburn, whose elegance still shapes how people picture it.
How Popular Is Audrey?
Audrey fell from #39 in 2016 to #86 in 2025 after its peak in the 2010s.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Audrey
Classic pairings
- Audrey Rose
- Audrey Grace
- Audrey Jane
- Audrey Elizabeth
Modern pairings
- Audrey Wren
- Audrey Juniper
- Audrey Wilder
- Audrey Sage
One-syllable options
- Audrey Claire
- Audrey Faith
- Audrey Belle
- Audrey Mae
Family-name bridges
- Audrey Marie
- Audrey Ann
- Audrey Louise
- Audrey Catherine
Names Similar to Audrey
If you love Audrey, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Audrey
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Audrey
- Audrey HepburnBelgian-born actress famous for 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and 'Roman Holiday'.
- Audrey TautouFrench actress known for the film 'Amélie'.
- Saint AudreySeventh-century Anglo-Saxon queen and abbess of Ely, also called Etheldreda.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Audrey
Is Audrey a boy or girl name?
Audrey is primarily a girl's name. It is very rarely used for boys.
How do you pronounce Audrey?
Audrey is pronounced AW-dree (IPA: ˈɔː.dri). It has 2 syllables. Common nicknames include Aud, Audie, Dree.
Is Audrey an Old English name?
Audrey is of Old English origin. Audrey is an Old English name meaning 'noble strength'.
What does Audrey mean?
Audrey is an Old English name meaning 'noble strength'.
Audrey is a medieval English shortening of Æthelthryth, a name built from æthel, meaning 'noble', and thryth, meaning 'strength'. The bearer was Saint Etheldreda, a seventh-century Anglo-Saxon queen and abbess of Ely, and her name was worn down over the centuries to Audrey.
Is Audrey a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Audrey is a highly popular name. It ranked #86 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is gradually declining in popularity but still firmly mainstream. Audrey fell from #39 in 2016 to #86 in 2025 after its peak in the 2010s.
What are good middle names for Audrey?
Good middle names for Audrey include classic choices like Audrey Rose and Audrey Grace, modern options like Audrey Wren and Audrey Juniper, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Audrey Claire and Audrey Faith. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
Discussing Audrey with your partner?
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