Aubrey: a unisex name of Germanic origin meaning "This name derives from the Old High German “Alberich,” composed of two elements: “*albiz” (elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich)".It derives from the Germanic word "*albiz *rīkijaz > ALBERICH".
Aubrey has maintained its appeal as a both name in modern times while preserving its Germanic roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Old High German “Alberich,” composed of two elements: “*albiz” (elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich)" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Aubrey
Quick facts about Aubrey
Origin
Germanic
Gender
Unisex
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Old High German “Alberich,” composed of two elements: “*albiz” (elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). In turn, the name means “powerful elf, king of the elves.” Oberon is a king of the fairies in medieval and Renaissance literature. He is best known as a character in William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which he is Consort to Titania, Queen of the Fairies. Alberich was the king of the dwarves in Norse mythology and is also present in the Nibelungenlied. Saint Albéric of Cîteaux († 1108), was a Christian saint and abbot, one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. In the Middle High German Nibelungenlied, Alberich is a dwarf, who guards the treasure of the Nibelungen, but is overcome by Siegfried. News of the gold robbery and ring of power incited both gods and giants to action.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
*albiz *rīkijaz > ALBERICH
How to Pronounce Aubrey
Aubrey is pronounced /ˈɔːbri/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Aub-rey
Say it like: "AWBREE"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Aubrey enjoys international appeal, used in 4 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, swedish, danish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
englishswedishdanishfinnish
Frequently Asked Questions About Aubrey
What does the name Aubrey mean?
Aubrey means "This name derives from the Old High German “Alberich,” composed of two elements: “*albiz” (elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). In turn, the name means “powerful elf, king of the elves.” Oberon is a king of the fairies in medieval and Renaissance literature. He is best known as a character in William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which he is Consort to Titania, Queen of the Fairies. Alberich was the king of the dwarves in Norse mythology and is also present in the Nibelungenlied. Saint Albéric of Cîteaux († 1108), was a Christian saint and abbot, one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. In the Middle High German Nibelungenlied, Alberich is a dwarf, who guards the treasure of the Nibelungen, but is overcome by Siegfried. News of the gold robbery and ring of power incited both gods and giants to action.". The name comes from *albiz *rīkijaz > ALBERICH. This germanic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Aubrey for children of any gender often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old High German “Alberich,” composed of two elements: “*albiz” (elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). In turn, the name means “powerful elf, king of the elves.” Oberon is a king of the fairies in medieval and Renaissance literature. He is best known as a character in William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which he is Consort to Titania, Queen of the Fairies. Alberich was the king of the dwarves in Norse mythology and is also present in the Nibelungenlied. Saint Albéric of Cîteaux († 1108), was a Christian saint and abbot, one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. In the Middle High German Nibelungenlied, Alberich is a dwarf, who guards the treasure of the Nibelungen, but is overcome by Siegfried. News of the gold robbery and ring of power incited both gods and giants to action." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Aubrey's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Aubrey?
Aubrey is a germanic name. The name traces back to *albiz *rīkijaz > ALBERICH. From its germanic roots, Aubrey spread to become common in english, swedish, danish, finnish. The germanic meaning "This name derives from the Old High German “Alberich,” composed of two elements: “*albiz” (elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). In turn, the name means “powerful elf, king of the elves.” Oberon is a king of the fairies in medieval and Renaissance literature. He is best known as a character in William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which he is Consort to Titania, Queen of the Fairies. Alberich was the king of the dwarves in Norse mythology and is also present in the Nibelungenlied. Saint Albéric of Cîteaux († 1108), was a Christian saint and abbot, one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. In the Middle High German Nibelungenlied, Alberich is a dwarf, who guards the treasure of the Nibelungen, but is overcome by Siegfried. News of the gold robbery and ring of power incited both gods and giants to action." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Aubrey a boy or girl name?
Aubrey is a unisex name, given to both boys and girls. Unisex names have grown more popular since the 1990s, with parents choosing them for flexibility and modern appeal. Aubrey works equally well for any child, letting the person's identity shape how the name feels rather than the other way around. In germanic tradition, Aubrey has historically been given to children of either gender. The meaning "This name derives from the Old High German “Alberich,” composed of two elements: “*albiz” (elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). In turn, the name means “powerful elf, king of the elves.” Oberon is a king of the fairies in medieval and Renaissance literature. He is best known as a character in William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which he is Consort to Titania, Queen of the Fairies. Alberich was the king of the dwarves in Norse mythology and is also present in the Nibelungenlied. Saint Albéric of Cîteaux († 1108), was a Christian saint and abbot, one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. In the Middle High German Nibelungenlied, Alberich is a dwarf, who guards the treasure of the Nibelungen, but is overcome by Siegfried. News of the gold robbery and ring of power incited both gods and giants to action." carries well for any child, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Aubrey?
Aubrey is pronounced "/ˈɔːbri/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Aubrey is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, swedish, danish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with germanic names, listening to a native speaker say Aubrey can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. This pronunciation has been verified and represents the standard way to say the name.
How popular is the name Aubrey?
Aubrey is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Aubrey offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Aubrey's popularity may vary between germanic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old High German “Alberich,” composed of two elements: “*albiz” (elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). In turn, the name means “powerful elf, king of the elves.” Oberon is a king of the fairies in medieval and Renaissance literature. He is best known as a character in William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which he is Consort to Titania, Queen of the Fairies. Alberich was the king of the dwarves in Norse mythology and is also present in the Nibelungenlied. Saint Albéric of Cîteaux († 1108), was a Christian saint and abbot, one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. In the Middle High German Nibelungenlied, Alberich is a dwarf, who guards the treasure of the Nibelungen, but is overcome by Siegfried. News of the gold robbery and ring of power incited both gods and giants to action." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among unisex names, Aubrey holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Aubrey commonly used?
Aubrey spans multiple cultures, including english, swedish, danish, and 1 other traditions. Though germanic in origin, Aubrey found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Aubrey, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Old High German “Alberich,” composed of two elements: “*albiz” (elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). In turn, the name means “powerful elf, king of the elves.” Oberon is a king of the fairies in medieval and Renaissance literature. He is best known as a character in William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which he is Consort to Titania, Queen of the Fairies. Alberich was the king of the dwarves in Norse mythology and is also present in the Nibelungenlied. Saint Albéric of Cîteaux († 1108), was a Christian saint and abbot, one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. In the Middle High German Nibelungenlied, Alberich is a dwarf, who guards the treasure of the Nibelungen, but is overcome by Siegfried. News of the gold robbery and ring of power incited both gods and giants to action." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Aubrey into their naming traditions. A child named Aubrey will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Aubrey is given to children of any gender, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Aubrey?
Aubrey carries associations with RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old High German “Alberich,” composed of two elements: “*albiz” (elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). In turn, the name means “powerful elf, king of the elves.” Oberon is a king of the fairies in medieval and Renaissance literature. He is best known as a character in William Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which he is Consort to Titania, Queen of the Fairies. Alberich was the king of the dwarves in Norse mythology and is also present in the Nibelungenlied. Saint Albéric of Cîteaux († 1108), was a Christian saint and abbot, one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. In the Middle High German Nibelungenlied, Alberich is a dwarf, who guards the treasure of the Nibelungen, but is overcome by Siegfried. News of the gold robbery and ring of power incited both gods and giants to action." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In germanic culture, where Aubrey originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Aubrey sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Aubrey often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.