Audrey
AW-dree
A feminine name traditionally linked to noble strength, especially through its historical connection to Etheldreda.
Meaning
In the provided 19th-century sources, Audrey is treated as a female name corrupted from Etheldreda, itself explained from Old English elements meaning “noble promise.” The excerpt also notes Audrey as the nickname form of Etheldreda, which gave the name its later life in English.
Origin
Old EnglishEnglishfeminine
Fun fact
One excerpt says Addy was the common Devonian short form for Audrey.
Confidence: mixed. Sources: History of Christian Names, Praenomina; or, the etymology of the principal Christian names of Great Britain and Ireland.