Audrey


Audrey is an English surname, coming from the Old English Aethelthryth, meaning "noble strength." There was a 7th century British St. Aethelthryth (Etheldreda or Audrey in English). In the later middle ages, a fair was held on her feast day, which sold cheap lace. From this origin "St. Audrey," we get the word "tawdry" meaning "cheap; poorly fashioned." Because of this association, the name fell out of favor. It was revived in the 19th century, and hit its peak in the 1920s. Audrey is undergoing another popular spell, being at another peak of popularity in 2012.
See Also: Audriy

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