Aubry is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "albre," which means "elf" or "fairy." The name Aubry has been used historically as both a masculine and feminine name, although it is more commonly associated with males today.
The earliest recorded use of the name Aubry dates back to the 12th century in France. It was likely brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Throughout the Middle Ages, Aubry was a popular name among the nobility and gentry in both France and England.
The name Aubry has several notable historical figures associated with it. One of the most famous is Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898), an English author and illustrator known for his black-and-white drawings and erotic art. Another notable figure is Aubrey de Vere, a 14th-century English poet who served as the tutor to Richard II.
In literature, the name Aubry appears in several works. In Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre," one of the characters is named Adèle Varens, whose father is said to be an "Aubrey" with whom she has lost contact. Additionally, there is a character named Aubrey in Thomas Hardy's novel "The Mayor of Casterbridge."
Today, Aubry remains a relatively uncommon name outside of France but continues to be popular among French-speaking families. It is often used as a middle name or given name for boys and girls alike. The name Aubry carries with it a sense of uniqueness and historical significance, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
In conclusion, Aubry is a unique and historically significant name of French origin that has been used throughout the centuries. While its meaning may vary depending on cultural context, it remains a distinctive and charming option for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Aubry has seen a varied history of popularity among parents in the United States over the past century.
The earliest recorded birth years for Aubry are 1904 and 1906, with six births each year. This indicates that the name was already being used at the start of the 20th century, albeit rarely. The number of births increased significantly in the following decades, reaching a peak of 38 births in 1921.
However, after this peak, the popularity of Aubry began to decline. Between 1926 and 1945, there were fewer than 30 births each year on average. The lowest point was reached in 1946 with only 14 births. This trend continued into the 1950s and 1960s, with fewer than 15 births per year from 1950 to 1967.
The popularity of Aubry started to pick up again in the late 1960s and early 1970s. There were between eight and 15 births each year during this period, with a peak of 15 births in 1972. However, this resurgence was short-lived, as the number of Aubry births fell again in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In recent years, Aubry has once again seen an increase in popularity. Between 2000 and 2022, there were between five and 17 births each year. The most recent data shows that there were six births in 2022 and five births in 2023.
Overall, while Aubry has not been one of the most popular names in the United States, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout the century. Its popularity has fluctuated over time, with peaks occurring in the early 1920s and late 1960s to early 1970s. Despite these fluctuations, Aubry remains a distinctive name choice for parents looking for something unique but not overly common.