Last Name Aubrey

The last name "Aubrey" has multiple possible origins. One possibility is that it is derived from a given name of Germanic origin. "Aubrey" is believed to have originated from the Germanic name "Alberic" or "Alberich," derived from the elements "alb" meaning "elf" or "supernatural being," and "ric" meaning "ruler" or "king." Another possible origin is the Norman-French surname "de Saint Aubery," which translates to "of Saint Aubery." This name referred to a location in Normandy, France, named "Saint-Aubert" or "Saint-Aubert-sur-Orne." Over time, "de Saint Aubery" may have evolved and been anglicized to "Aubrey." It is worth noting that surnames were not fixed or hereditary until later centuries, so the origin of the name "Aubrey" could vary depending on the specific family line.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Aubrey

Examining the ethnic identity associated with the surname Aubrey, the data from the Decennial U.S. Census shows some shifts between 2000 and 2010. The majority, with 76.64% in 2000 and 73.60% in 2010, identify as White. Individuals identifying as Black represented 16.60% in 2000 and increased slightly to 17.40% in 2010. The percentage of individuals identifying as Hispanic showed a significant rise from 1.90% to 3.43%. Those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander, Two or more races, and American Indian and Alaskan Native also saw increases, moving up to 0.61%, 2.61%, and 2.36% respectively.

	2000	2010	Change
White	76.64%	73.6%	-3.97%
Black	16.6%	17.4%	4.82%
Hispanic	1.9%	3.43%	80.53%
Two or More Races	2.45%	2.61%	6.53%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	1.92%	2.36%	22.92%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.49%	0.61%	24.49%

Aubrey ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Aubrey is British & Irish, which comprises 50.0% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (23.5%) and Eastern European (5.6%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Spanish & Portuguese, Nigerian, Italian, and Korean.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	50.0%
French & German	23.5%
Eastern European	5.6%
Other	21.0%

Your paternal lineage may be linked to early Balkan migrants

Haplogroup E1b1b1a1b1a migrated in large numbers from the Balkans into Europe about 4,500 years ago, triggered by the beginning of the Balkan Bronze Age. During this migration, members of haplogroup E1b1b1a1b1a mainly followed rivers connecting the southern Balkans to northern-central Europe. Technological leaps often cause lineages to grow dramatically in numbers and in geographic range. The development of Bronze technology may have given men in haplogroup E1b1b1a1b1a a competitive advantage over other men, causing haplogroup E1b1b1a1b1a to proliferate and become widespread.

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Aubrey

The meaning and origin of the last name Aubrey

The surname Aubrey has both Norman and Welsh origins. In Norman usage, it is derived from the Old Germanic name Alberic, which is composed of the elements "alf," meaning "elf," and "ric," meaning "rule." This name was commonly given to imply noble and powerful elf-like qualities. In Wales, the surname Aubrey is believed to derive from the ancient Welsh personal name Owain, meaning "youthful warrior." The name Owain was anglicized as Eugene and later evolved into Aubrey. The Aubrey surname first appeared in records in the 12th century, shortly after the Norman Conquest of England. The name spread throughout the British Isles and saw variations like Aubery, Aubry, and Albery. Notable individuals with the surname Aubrey include John Aubrey, a 17th-century antiquary, and William Aubrey, a diplomat and Member of Parliament during the 18th century. Today, the surname Aubrey is found across the English-speaking world, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Aubrey

The last name Aubrey is primarily found in English-speaking countries, with its highest concentration in the United Kingdom. In England, it is most common in the southern regions, particularly in the counties of Surrey, Kent, and Sussex. It can also be found in Wales and Scotland, although to a lesser extent. Migration and emigration throughout history have also resulted in the dispersion of the name Aubrey to other English-speaking countries. In the United States, the surname is seen across various states, with notable concentrations in California, Texas, and New York. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand also have populations with the last name Aubrey, suggesting significant immigration from the United Kingdom. Additionally, due to the global influence of English colonialism, the name can be found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world, such as South Africa and India, where English heritage and settlement have occurred.

Variants and spellings of the last name Aubrey

The last name Aubrey has a few variations and spellings depending on the region and historical context. One variation is Aubry, which is commonly found in French-speaking countries. Similarly, the spelling Aubrey can also be spelled as Aubry, especially in parts of Europe where French influences are strong. Another variation is Aubury, which appears to be an anglicized form of the name commonly found in English-speaking countries. Additionally, some individuals might choose to spell their name as Aubre, dropping the 'y' at the end. This might be a personal preference or a result of simplified spelling. It is important to note that these variations and spellings have emerged naturally over time and may be influenced by factors such as migration, cultural exchanges, and personal choice. Nevertheless, regardless of the spelling or variation, the last name Aubrey retains its historical origins and connections to various regions of the world.

Famous people with the last name Aubrey

There are several famous people with the last name Aubrey who have made their mark in various fields. One prominent figure is Sir John Aubrey, a 17th-century English antiquary and writer, known for his works on biography and archaeology. He is particularly renowned for his sketchbooks, which provided invaluable insights into the lives of notable figures of his time. Another notable personality with the last name Aubrey is Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham. Drake rose to fame as a rapper, singer, and songwriter, with countless chart-topping hits and numerous awards to his name. His unique blend of rap and R&B has made him one of the most successful and influential artists of the modern era. Both Sir John Aubrey and Drake have left a lasting legacy and continue to be celebrated for their contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Aubrey

The genealogical research on the last name Aubrey reveals an interesting lineage. The name Aubrey originated from the ancient Celtic word "Alberic", meaning "ruler". It first appeared in medieval England around the 12th century and spread throughout Europe. The Aubrey family has had a notable presence in France, Scotland, and Wales, with several prominent figures emerging from its ranks. One of the most renowned was Sir John Aubrey, a distinguished knight who fought alongside King Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Over the years, the Aubrey family has maintained its prominence and influence in various spheres, including politics, literature, and academia. Today, descendants of the Aubrey family can be found across the globe, carrying with them a rich and storied heritage that spans centuries. The name Aubrey continues to hold significance for those seeking to uncover their ancestral roots and explore the fascinating history of this illustrious family.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Aubrey"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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