Ashely Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Ashely"
Pronunciation
/ˈæʃli/
Origin
Old English
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.
Meaning
ash tree clearing
Language Evolution
Æsclēah (Old English), Ashleigh (variant in Middle English), Ashley (modern form)
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.
Variants & Derivatives
Ashleigh, Ashly, Aisley
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.
Famous People
Ashley Judd (actress and political activist), Ashley Greene (actress), Ashley Tisdale (singer and actress)
📊 Ashely Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Ashely Name Visualizations
✨ Ashely Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 504 peak births in 1987
Geographic Spread
Popular across 37 US states, with strongest presence in Florida
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Ashely" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Ashely". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Ashely" that fits your preferences.
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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Ashely" in the United States
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.