Aubrey
/ˈɔːbri/
proper noun
Origin
Proto-Germanic
*albi- + *rīkijaz — elf ruler
Overview
Meaning Now
- A given name of Germanic origin, traditionally masculine but now frequently used for all genders.
Literal older meaning
elf ruler
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Old French → English
Earliest form
Albericus
Earliest period
11th century
Journey
The name was introduced to England by the Normans following the Conquest of 1066. It was a common noble name, notably borne by the Earls of Oxford.
Evolution
- Proto-Germanic
*Albarīkiz
“ruler of the elves”
- Frankish
Albericus
“elf ruler”
- Old French
Aubri
“elf ruler”
vocalisation of l before b
- Middle English
Aubrey
“elf ruler”
Anglicized form of the Norman name
Connections
Word parts
Alb
root
elf
ric
root
ruler
Related across languages
German
Alberich
elf ruler (mythological)
French
Aubry
surname form
Explore next
Related to Aubrey
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.