
Origin, Meaning, and History Of Ashley
Ashley is of English origin and means ‘ash tree meadow.’ The name is derived from the Old English words “æsc” (ash tree) and “lēah” (meadow or clearing). It gained popularity in the United States in the 1980s and has since been widely used as a given name for girls and boys.
The use of Ashley as a given name dates back to the 12th century, when it was used to refer to someone who lived near an ash tree meadow. The name was popularized in England during the Middle Ages and was used as both a male and female name. The name has multiple variations, some of which include Ashlea, Ashlee, Ashli, Ashlie, and Ashly.
In addition to its English origin, the name Ashley is also of Welsh origin, where it is a variation of the name “Ashley.” In Welsh, the name means “lion of the field” and was used as a given name to symbolize bravery and strength.
The name Ashley has also been used as a surname in England and has been associated with prominent families and individuals throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of the surname Ashley was Anthony Ashley-Cooper, first Earl of Shaftesbury, a British statesman and philosopher who was an influential figure in the history of England during the 17th century.
In French, the name Ashley is derived from the name ‘Achille,’ which is the French form of the Greek name Achilles. In Greek mythology, Achilles was a great warrior who fought in the Trojan War and was known for his bravery and strength.
Overall, the name Ashley has multiple origins and meanings and has been used and adapted in different cultures and languages throughout history. Ashley symbolizes strength, bravery, and stability and will make a wonderful name for either your little hero or beautiful angel.
How To Pronounce Ashley?
Famous People With The Name Ashley
- Ashley TisdaleAmerican actress, known for her role in the sitcom “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody”
- Ashley HarkleroadAmerican former tennis player, reached the top 50 in the world
- Ashley RobertsAmerican singer and dancer, member of the band “Pussycat Dolls”
- Ashley ColeEnglish footballer, one of the best defenders, played for Arsenal and Chelsea
- Ashley MontaguBritish-American anthropologist, best known for popularizing the term “ethnic group”
Ashley On The Popularity Chart
Let’s check out the graphs below to know how the name Ashley has been performing over time.
Popularity Over Time
Ashley enjoyed its peak popularity in the early 1980s. However, the usage of this name has gradually declined during the last three decades.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
The name Ashley has been consistently losing its ranking over the last four decades. You can check the graphical representation to learn about its ranking.
Source: Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Ashley
If you liked the sound and feel of Ashley, but are looking for a name with a different meaning, here are some suggestions you may wish to consider.
Names With Similar Meaning As Ashley
Like what Ashley means, but want a different name to go with the same meaning? We’ve got you covered. Check out your options here.
Name Numerology For Ashley


