Ashley
Ashley is a girl name of English origin meaning “From the ash tree meadow”, pronounced ASH-lee. It ranked #164 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,829 babies, and peaked at #1 in 1991. Common nicknames: Ash.
How popular is Ashley in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Ashley mean, and where does it come from?
Ashley began as an English surname and place name, formed from the Old English aesc, "ash tree," and leah, "meadow" or "clearing," and was originally used almost exclusively for boys, including the character Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind. It crossed over dramatically to become one of the most popular American girls' names of the 1980s and 1990s, a shift that also brought a wave of similar surname-style names like Whitney and Courtney into fashion for girls. Though its popularity has cooled considerably since its peak, Ashley remains a widely recognized and instantly familiar name across the English-speaking world.
How is Ashley used around the world?
Ashley is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 8+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Ashley?
Famous People Named Ashley
- Ashley Judd — American actress and activist
- Ashley Olsen — American actress and fashion designer
- Ashley Tisdale — American actress and singer
Similar Names to Ashley
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Sibling Name Ideas for Ashley
Looking for names that pair well with Ashley? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ashley mean?
Ashley is a girl name of English origin meaning "From the ash tree meadow." Ashley began as an English surname and place name, formed from the Old English aesc, "ash tree," and leah, "meadow" or "clearing," and was originally used almost exclusively for boys, including the character Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind. It crossed over dramatically to become one of the most popular American girls' names of the 1980s and 1990s, a shift that also brought a wave of similar surname-style names like Whitney and Courtney into fashion for girls.
How do you pronounce Ashley?
Ashley is pronounced ASH-lee. Common variations include Ashleigh, Ashly, Ashlee.
Is Ashley a girl name?
Yes, Ashley is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ash.