Ashley
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Ashley
Ashley is an English unisex name, which has 6 letters.
Ashley is a unisex name of English origin meaning "dweller near the ash tree meadow". It is derived from the Old English words ‘æsc’, meaning ash, and ‘lēah’, meaning meadow or clearing.
Rating
Be the first one to vote!
Log in to save this name to your favorites.
Detailed Information About The Name Ashley
Ashley is a unisex surname that originated as an English place name, meaning "ash tree clearing" or "ash tree meadow". The name has a long history, dating back to the 9th century, and has gained popularity as a given name since the 17th century. In the English-speaking world, Ashley has traditionally been more commonly used as a masculine name, while it became a prominent female name in the late 20th century.
The popularity of Ashley as a female name can be partially attributed to the character of Ashley Wilkes in Margaret Mitchell's novel, "Gone with the Wind", and its subsequent film adaptation. This association with the strong-willed and charismatic character, played by Leslie Howard in the movie, helped boost the name's popularity among parents looking for a feminine choice.
Throughout history, many notable individuals have borne the name Ashley. For instance, Ashley Cooper, the 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, was a prominent English politician and philosopher during the 17th century. He played a vital role in the shaping of modern political thought and was a strong advocate for religious tolerance and separation of powers.
In recent years, Ashley has become less common as a given name, but it still maintains a certain level of popularity. The name's versatility, traditional connotations, and strong association with both genders contribute to its ongoing usage. Furthermore, the name's pleasant sound and easy pronunciation make it appealing to many parents seeking a timeless and versatile choice for their child's name.
Similar English Baby Names
Search Baby Names & Meanings
Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!
Celebrity Baby Names
Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.
Celebrity Baby NamesNaming Your Baby
Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.
Naming Your BabyUnusual Baby Names
Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.
Unusual Baby NamesBiblical Baby Names
Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!
Biblical Baby NamesTypes of Baby Names
The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.
Types of Baby Names