Audra is a feminine given name of uncertain origin and meaning. Some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Germanic element "auda" or "aud," which means "noble" or "rich." Others propose that it could be a variant spelling of the Old Norse name Auðr, also meaning "noble" or "prosperous."
The name Audra first appeared in literature in the late 19th century, used by American novelist and poet Thomas Bailey Aldrich in his 1874 novel "The Queen of Sheba." Since then, it has been used occasionally as a given name for girls.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Audra. One of the most famous is Australian actress and singer Audra Morley (1926-1993), known for her roles in films such as "The Overlanders" and "Smiley." Additionally, American ballet dancer Audra Bossi (born 1957) has had a successful career performing with various dance companies around the world.
In popular culture, the name Audra has been used in several works of fiction. For example, it is the name of one of the main characters in the 2018 film "The Purge: The First Purge," played by actress Marisa Tomei. It also appears as a character name in the video game "Life Is Strange: Before the Storm."
Overall, while the origin and meaning of the name Audra may be uncertain, it is undeniably a unique and distinctive given name with a rich history of notable bearers throughout literature, film, dance, and other arts.
"From the late 19th to early 20th century, the name Audra saw varied popularity, peaking between 1916 and 1923 with over 100 births each year. It maintained steady usage until the mid-20th century, but began declining thereafter. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Audra's popularity significantly waned, reaching an all-time low of 103 births in 2022."