Audrey

Audrey is a feminine given name of English origin. It is commonly traced to the Old English name Æðelþryð, formed from elements meaning “noble” and “strength,” though some scholars link its early forms to names such as Etheldreda. The modern spelling Audrey appeared in medieval and early modern English usage and was popularized in the 20th century through cultural media and literature.

In contemporary usage, the name gained broad prominence largely due to the fame of actress Audrey Hepburn (1929–1993). Other notable bearers include French actress Audrey Tautou. In fiction, characters named Audrey include Audrey Horne from the television series Twin Peaks and Audrey II, the carnivorous plant in the musical Little Shop of Horrors, illustrating the name’s presence in both drama and musical genres.

Audrey remains a recognizable, though not overly common, given name in many English-speaking countries and beyond. It is often shortened to nicknames such as Aud or Audie and has inspired a variety of spellings and related names in different languages. The name’s cultural associations—reliant on mid-20th-century media—contribute to its enduring, though measured, usage in contemporary naming trends.