Audrey
Audrey comes from the Anglo-Saxon "Æðelþryð," made of "æðel" (noble) and "þryð" (strength). Saint Audrey (also called Etheldreda) was a 7th-century abbess of Ely who founded a monastery on the Isle of Ely in Cambridgeshire. Her feast day, June 23, was once an important fair where lace was sold — hence the phrase "St. Audrey's lace," which eventually degraded to "tawdry." Despite that etymological accident, the name was rescued by Audrey Hepburn. Born in 1929, Hepburn became one of the most iconic actresses of the 20th century — "Roman Holiday" (1953), "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961), "My Fair Lady" (1964). Her combination of elegance and warmth gave the name a permanent glamour that no other bearer could have provided. I find Audrey one of the most beautifully balanced names in English. The "Au" opening is warm, the "dr" gives it a slight growl, and the "ee" ending gives it lightness. It sounds both elegant and approachable, which is a hard combination. The name has been in the US top 50 since 2014 and shows no sign of declining. Audrey is a female name of Anglo-Saxon origin that means "Noble strength (from Æðelþryð)". Elegant, warm, and quietly strong. The name sounds graceful. Audreys tend to have presence without demanding attention. US top 50 since 2014. Well-known people named Audrey include Audrey Hepburn (actress), Audrey Tautou (actress), Audrey Meadows (actress), Saint Audrey (Etheldreda). Common variations and related forms of Audrey include Audrie (variant), Audra (related), Etheldreda (original), Audrée (French, rare).