Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Ainsley
GirlEnglish, Scottish· “from an English place name”
- Meaning
- from an English place name
- Origin
- English, Scottish
- Pronunciation
- AYNZ-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #483
- US babies 2025
- 621
- Best rank
- #332 (2013)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Ainsley
Ainsley is an English and Scottish name that is usually said to mean “from an English place name”.
Ainsley began as a surname taken from English place names such as Annesley and Ansley. The second part comes from Old English leah, a woodland clearing or meadow, while the first part is usually explained as a word for a hermitage or solitary dwelling, though that reading is not certain. The surname later spread to Scotland, and the name picked up a Scottish flavor in popular use. As a first name it was once given to boys but is now chosen mostly for girls. It has a soft, preppy sound that fits well with other surname names.
Popularity over time
Ainsley first appears in US Social Security records in 1961. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 25 different years, starting in 2001. Its best national rank was #332 in 2013, and the most babies received it in 2014, when 1,001 were named Ainsley. In 2025, 621 babies were named Ainsley, and it ranked #483 nationally. That is 36% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #4,979 in 1980, #1,481 in 2000, #355 in 2010, and #483 in 2025. Of the 20,470 US girls named Ainsley since records began, 44% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 6,367 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Aylin, Skye, Scarlet, Adelynn, and Mckinley.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ainsley ranked highest in Maine, North Dakota, and Nebraska.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | #154 | 7 |
| North Dakota | #162 | 6 |
| Nebraska | #200 | 11 |
| West Virginia | #204 | 8 |
| Idaho | #245 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Ainsley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Ainsley is usually pronounced AYNZ-lee, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with A and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Ainsley
A few middle names that flow with Ainsley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ainsley
Similar names
Sydney Girl
SIHD-nee
“from an English surname and place name” · Old English
#348
Paisley Girl
PAYZ-lee
“from a Scottish town; also a pattern” · Scottish
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Chelsey Girl
CHEHL-see
“from Chelsea; chalk landing place” · English
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Hailey Girl
HAY-lee
“hay clearing” · English
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Bailey Girl
BAY-lee
“bailiff; from a surname” · English
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Hadley Girl
HAD-lee
“heather clearing” · English
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Finley Unisex
FIHN-lee
“fair warrior” · Scottish
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Marley Girl
MAHR-lee
“pleasant wood or clearing” · English
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Presley Girl
PREZ-lee
“priest's clearing” · English
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Haley Girl
HAY-lee
“hay clearing” · English
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Harley Unisex
HAR-lee
“hare meadow” · Old English
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Oakley Unisex
OHK-lee
“oak clearing” · English
#156
Lists that include Ainsley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ainsley mean?
Ainsley is an English and Scottish name that is usually said to mean “from an English place name”.
What is the origin of the name Ainsley?
Ainsley has English, Scottish, and Old English roots. Ainsley began as a surname taken from English place names such as Annesley and Ansley.
Is Ainsley a popular name?
Yes. Ainsley ranked #483 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Ainsley a boy or girl name?
Ainsley is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Ainsley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Ainsley?
Ainsley is usually pronounced AYNZ-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings