What Does the Name Audrey Mean?
Audrey developed from the Old English Æðelþryð, joining æðel, 'noble,' and þryð, 'strength' — together, 'noble strength.' The name was worn by the 7th-century Saint Æthelthryth, later venerated as Saint Audrey, whose cult kept the name alive through the Middle Ages.
The Origin & History of Audrey
After centuries of steady if modest use, Audrey saw a major 20th-century revival, cemented by Belgian-British actress Audrey Hepburn, whose roles in Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany's made the name synonymous with poise and elegance.
Popularity in the United States
Audrey peaked at #33 among US girls' names in 2013 and has settled to around #86 today, still comfortably inside the national top 100 after decades of steady use.
Personality & Traits
Audrey tends to feel graceful, classic, and quietly confident, carrying an old-Hollywood polish without feeling dated.
Famous People Named Audrey
Audrey Hepburn remains the name's defining namesake. Audrey Tautou, the French actress known for Amélie, and Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, are other notable modern bearers.
Nicknames & Variations
Audra is a common shortened variant used as a standalone name. Audrie is an alternate spelling, and Etheldreda is the name's formal Old English ancestor.