Ashely Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

The name Ashley originates from Old English, meaning 'ash tree clearing'. It evolved from Æsclēah to its current form and has historical roots in English culture. The name is associated with nature and has gained popularity as a feminine name since the late 20th century. There is no biblical relevance. Notable people with this name include actresses and singers, contributing to its modern perception as trendy and youthful.

The name Ashely is most popular in Florida, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the South 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 maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Ashely has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Ashely' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6766th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9270th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5597th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 680th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2030th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 7610th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Ashely' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Ashely"

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Pronunciation

/ˈæʃli/

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Origin

Old English

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Etymology

The name Ashley is derived from the Old English words 'æsc' meaning 'ash tree' and 'lēah' meaning 'woodland' or 'clearing'. It originally referred to someone who lived near a clearing by ash trees.

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Meaning

ash tree clearing

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Language Evolution

Æsclēah (Old English), Ashleigh (variant in Middle English), Ashley (modern form)

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Historical Usage

Ashley became popular as a given name in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its usage surged in the 1980s and 1990s as a feminine name.

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Variants & Derivatives

Ashleigh, Ashly, Aisley

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Modern Popularity & Image

Ashley is perceived as a trendy and contemporary name, often associated with youth and femininity. It remains a popular choice for girls today.

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Famous People

Ashley Judd (actress and political activist), Ashley Greene (actress), Ashley Tisdale (singer and actress)

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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Ashely"

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 "Ashely"

"Ashely" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 6766th of 10718 30
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 9270th of 16616 40
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 5597th of 19264 143
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Girl 680th of 27321 4,707
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 2030th of 35406 1,488
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Girl 7610th of 30306 177

Regional Popularity of "Ashely" 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)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - - -
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

Regional Popularity of "Ashely" 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)
- - 95.37%
3355th/3518
-
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
20.03%
738th/3685
16.56%
741st/4475
10.63%
552nd/5194
13.76%
869th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
69.71%
3194th/4582
27.15%
1402nd/5164
27.42%
2005th/7313
24.44%
1824th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - 100.00%
6822nd/6822
94.39%
5924th/6276

State-by-State Popularity of "Ashely"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Ashely" 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.