Declining since 2013, #146 for girls today.
Popularity of Aubrey since 1880
Babies named Aubrey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 | 178 |
| 1890s | 19 | 367 |
| 1900s | 74 | 633 |
| 1910s | 177 | 3,096 |
| 1920s | 277 | 4,502 |
| 1930s | 174 | 3,773 |
| 1940s | 112 | 3,372 |
| 1950s | 92 | 3,370 |
| 1960s | 115 | 2,271 |
| 1970s | 2,055 | 1,842 |
| 1980s | 6,802 | 2,000 |
| 1990s | 10,906 | 2,004 |
| 2000s | 29,537 | 1,516 |
| 2010s | 65,935 | 1,432 |
| 2020s | 17,235 | 734 |
Meaning & origin
Aubrey has experienced a remarkable transformation from a medieval masculine name to a modern favorite for girls. First recorded in U.S. data in 1889, the name reached its peak popularity in 2012, when it ranked among the top 100. Since then, its trajectory shows a gradual decline, though it remains well-used. The name's strongest associations are in states like Wyoming, West Virginia, and North Dakota, where it resonates with a taste for classic yet feminine names. Its appeal lies in its soft sound and strong historical roots, blending Old World charm with contemporary style.
Aubrey is derived from the Germanic name Alberic, composed of elements alf 'elf' and ric 'ruler, power'. It was introduced to England by the Normans in the forms Alberic and Aubri, and was originally a masculine name. From the 17th century onward, it gradually became more common for girls, particularly in the United States, where it surged in popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The modern feminine use was boosted by the character Aubrey in the 1996 film 'The Craft' and by the singer Aubrey O'Day.
Where Aubrey is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Aubrey” around the world
Where Aubrey lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
21
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Aub, Bree
Sibling names for Aubrey
Names that share Aubrey's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Grace, Hannah, Lily, Emma, Olivia, Jaslyn, Jayleen, Jocelynn, Paris, Adalee, Aubrianna, Cheyann, Dezarae, Emileigh, Laramie, Maylee, Skylee, Abree, Alexxis, Allysia, Amberleigh, Ambrea, Cheyene, Dilynn, Haizlee, Heavenleigh, Jasline, Jayline, Joselyne, Josslynn, Karalynn, Kayloni, Maddilynn, Maddisyn, Malanie, Mayrin, Natilee, Rainie, Shailee, Allizon, Amberlin, Anastyn, Bethzy, Brionne, Cassadee, Daytona, Elainna, Ellanie, Havannah, Jadalynn, Janellie, Jannely, Jaslyne, Josilynn, Kaylanni, Maydelin, Savannha, Shailene, Tauni, Timberlyn, Aubria, Brandelyn, Fayelynn, Jenevie, Alantis, Ambrie, Amilee, Aubrianne, Aubrionna, Breeona, Brettney, Cheyan, Delainee, Emmilee, Everliegh, Infantof, Joellie, Jozalyn, Kaselyn, Lauralei, Lexxie, Makailyn, Maylea, Seville, Shaeleigh, Skyann, Skyanne, Tephanie
Brothers: Liam, Noah, Ethan, Jacob, Mason, Dakota, Jace, Dillan, Donivan, Hartford, Jaceyon, Terrace, Wynston, Aydrien, Chayden, Jaymz, Kyliam, Laythan, Dracen, Jaiyden, Abrian, Adryen, Aydian, Jacieon, Traycen
Names like Aubrey
Names whose popularity has moved with Aubrey's over the last 50 years.
