Ainsley Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Ainsley is an Old English name with roots in a Scottish place name, meaning 'one's meadow'. The name has evolved through various historical forms and gained popularity in the 20th century. It is often regarded as modern and stylish. There is no biblical relevance associated with the name, but it is connected to notable figures like Ainsley Harriott and Ainsley Earhardt.
The name Ainsley is most popular in Colorado, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Ainsley has been too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Ainsley' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6024th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5593rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6372nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7371st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8082nd out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 11599th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6155th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2236th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 505th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 398th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Ainsley' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Ainsley"
Pronunciation
/ˈeɪnzli/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
Ainsley is derived from a place name in Scotland, which combines the Old English elements 'āns' meaning 'one' and 'lēah' meaning 'wood' or 'clearing'. Thus, it essentially refers to a clearing in the woods.
Meaning
One's meadow
Language Evolution
Ainsley, Ainslie, Ainsleigh
Historical Usage
Ainsley gained popularity as a given name in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, partly due to its use as a surname and its appealing sound.
Variants & Derivatives
Ainslie, Ainsleigh, Ainslee
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Ainsley is perceived as a modern and stylish name, often associated with sophistication and a touch of uniqueness.
Famous People
Ainsley Harriott - a British celebrity chef and television presenter, Ainsley Earhardt - an American television personality and journalist
Explore More Ainsley Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Ainsley"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Ainsley"
"Ainsley" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6024th of 7552 | 16 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5593rd of 10718 | 51 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6372nd of 16616 | 94 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7371st of 24088 | 147 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 8082nd of 23106 | 110 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 11599th of 12526 | 7 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 6155th of 19264 | 123 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2236th of 27321 | 857 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 505th of 35406 | 9,384 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 398th of 30306 | 9,474 |
Regional Popularity of "Ainsley" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
62.19% 2783rd/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
76.12% 3931st/5164 |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
79.30% 3558th/4487 |
- | - |
Regional Popularity of "Ainsley" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
74.63% 2750th/3685 |
53.41% 2390th/4475 |
42.38% 2201st/5194 |
50.70% 3203rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
9.49% 435th/4582 |
10.94% 565th/5164 |
6.47% 473rd/7313 |
8.13% 607th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
7.63% 304th/3984 |
9.14% 410th/4487 |
6.33% 432nd/6822 |
8.43% 529th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Ainsley"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Ainsley" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.