Ashley: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Ashley mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

English: Dweller near the ash tree meadow
Old English: Ash tree

Gender: Female, Unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Ashley is pronounced ash-lee

The name Ashley originally was used for boys in England, derived from Old English words 'Ã¦sc' (ash) and 'lÄ“ah' (woodland, clearing), meaning "ash tree clearing." Over time, Ashley gained widespread popularity as a female name, especially in the United States during the late 20th century. Its gender-neutral nature and pleasant sound have made it a favorite choice for girls, overshadowing its earlier masculine origins.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Ashley mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

English: Dweller near the ash tree meadow
Old English: Ash tree

Gender: Male, Unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Ashley is pronounced ash-lee

The name Ashley is of Old English origin and means "ash tree." It was originally a surname denoting someone who lived near an ash tree clearing. It is comprised of the Old English words æsc and leah

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English: habitational name from any of the numerous places in southern and central England named Ashley, from Old English æsc "ash" + lēah "woodland clearing."

The name of Capt. John Ashley appears in the VA Charter of 1609. For more than two centuries his descendants were prominent in Norfolk, VA. A branch of the family settled in Pittsburgh in the early 19th century.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Howard Stern

Ashley in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Ashley Wilkes from Gone with the Wind - The honorable and idealistic Southern gentleman who wins Scarlett O'Hara's unrequited love.
Ashley Spinelli from Recess - The tough, wrestling-loving girl known for her distinctive style and attitude among the group of elementary school friends.
Ashley Juergens from The Secret Life of the American Teenager - The independent and sarcastic younger sister navigating family and teenage challenges.
Ashley Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - The sweet and naive youngest daughter of the Banks family, growing up in front of America.
Ashley Marin from Pretty Little Liars - The caring and protective single mother with her own set of challenges and secrets.

Popularity of the Name Ashley

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Ashley has seen significant popularity in the United States over the past few decades. While it has slipped from its peak position, Ashley remained one of the top names for girls throughout the 1980s and 1990s. It reached its zenith in the 1980s and early 90s, often ranking within the top 5 names for girls during that period. In recent years, its popularity has decreased, but it still maintains a strong presence in the top 100 or 200, showcasing its lasting appeal.

Historically, the name Ashley was used for both genders, but it has predominantly become associated with females in contemporary times. Notable Ashleys include actress Ashley Judd, known for her roles in films like Double Jeopardy and High Crimes, and Ashley Olsen, who, alongside her twin sister Mary-Kate, became famous as a child star in the television series Full House. In the realm of fiction, Ashley Wilkes is a central character in the novel Gone with the Wind, highlighting the name's versatility and enduring popularity across different mediums.