Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Aubrey

Aubrey started out as a masculine name. The Old French-Norman Auberi arrived in England in the 11th century by way of the Norman Conquest of 1066; it originated from the Old High German Alberich meaning “ruler of the elves”, from the Germanic *Alb(e)rada” (elf counsel). The name Alberich appears in Germanic mythology as the fair-haired King of the Elves. Elves (sometimes interchangeable with dwarfs and fairies) featured prominently in early Germanic/Nordic mythology; they possessed certain magical powers which could be used to either help or hinder the progress of humans (although the little devils evolved with more sinister powers in later folklore). In the Middle High German mythological poem “Nibelungenlied”, Alberich appears as King of the Elves. He’s portrayed as a magical dwarf whose chief responsibility is to guard the treasures of Nibelungen (entrusted to him by Siegfried). He was defeated by Siegfried in battle and was forced to give up his magical cloak of invisibilty. After swearing an oath of loyalty to Siegfried, Alberich continued on as keeper of the treasure. Many scholars believe Alberich served as a model for slews of dwarf/elf characters that would follow in later mythologies. In fact, Shakespeare’s character Oberon (king of the faeries) from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was inspired by Alberich. Aubrey became a relatively common masculine name in England in the later Middle Ages but eventually diminished in usage until a 19th century revival. It abruptly appeared on the American female naming charts in 1973, largely inspired by a hit pop-song called “Aubrey” (by the band Bread). Soon enough, Aubrey’s success as a girl’s name eclipsed its popularity for boys. Today Aubrey is considered mostly female and used mainly in the United States and Canada.

All About the Baby Name – Aubrey

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME AUBREY

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME AUBREY

Technically unisex, we are calling Aubrey a female name because it hasn’t been in use for boys in the United States since 2002, and it’s doubtful we’ll see its return now that parents have successfully hijacked the name for their daughters. Aubrey (for boys) saw the peak of its success about a hundred years ago (which wasn’t much to write home about). The increased usage of the name for girls probably over-feminized the name and made it proportionately less attractive to parents when naming sons. Interestingly, the name Aubrey was first used as a girl’s name in 1973. The influence came from a popular song called “Aubrey” released in 1972 by the rock band Bread. The song stayed on the Top 100 charts for eleven straight weeks (peaking at #15) and opens up with the lyrics: “And Aubrey was her name / A not so ordinary girl or name.” Today, the name is a little bit more ordinary, since it has climbed over 900 positions on America’s Top 1000 list since the song was released! Parents today probably no longer remember the groovy 70s ballad; they just remember the name. And a pretty one she is!

Quick Facts

ON AUBREY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

18

PRONUNCIATION:

AW-bree

SIMPLE MEANING:

Ruler of the elves

Characteristics

OF AUBREY

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Aubrey

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME AUBREY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Aubrey

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME AUBREY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Aubrey


Popular Songs

ON AUBREY

Aubrey
a song by Bread

Famous People

NAMED AUBREY

Aubrey Huff (baseball player)
Aubrey Thomas de Vere (Irish poet)
Aubrey Drake Graham (musician)
Aubrey O'Day (singer)
Aubrey Plaza (actress/comic)
Aubrey Huff (baseball player)
Aubrey Thomas de Vere (Irish poet)
Aubrey Drake Graham (musician)
Aubrey O'Day (singer)
Aubrey Plaza (actress/comic)
Aubrey Huff (baseball player)
Aubrey Thomas de Vere (Irish poet)
Aubrey Drake Graham (musician)
Aubrey O'Day (singer)
Aubrey Plaza (actress/comic)

Children of Famous People

NAMED AUBREY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Aubrey

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME AUBREY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Aubrey