Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Ashley
GirlEnglish, Old English· “ash tree clearing”
- Meaning
- ash tree clearing
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- ASH-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #164
- US babies 2025
- 1,829
- Best rank
- #1 (1991)
- Peak year
- 1987
Meaning and origin of Ashley
Ashley is an English and Old English name that means “ash tree clearing”.
Ashley comes from an English surname and place name meaning ash tree clearing, from the Old English aesc, ash tree, and leah, a woodland clearing. It was used as a masculine given name for generations and still is in Britain. In the United States it shifted strongly toward girls in the later twentieth century and became one of the signature names of that era. Its nature meaning and gentle sound remain part of its appeal. Today it feels familiar and friendly rather than trendy. Ash is a short form that works for any gender, and Ashleigh is a common alternative spelling.
Popularity over time
Ashley first appears in US Social Security records in 1917. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 62 different years, starting in 1964. Its best national rank was #1 in 1991, and the most babies received it in 1987, when 54,856 were named Ashley. In 2025, 1,829 babies were named Ashley, and it ranked #164 nationally. That is 47% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,660 in 1950, #40 in 1980, #4 in 2000, #29 in 2010, and #164 in 2025. Of the 859,857 US girls named Ashley since records began, 41% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 301,820 babies. Since 2010, 48,863 more have been named Ashley.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jessica, Amanda, and Tiffany.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ashley ranked highest in Florida, Maryland, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #47 | 284 |
| Maryland | #69 | 54 |
| Texas | #86 | 307 |
| Rhode Island | #92 | 9 |
| Nevada | #93 | 22 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Ashley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Ashley is usually pronounced ASH-lee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Ashley
A few middle names that flow with Ashley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ashley
Similar names
Oakley Unisex
OHK-lee
“oak clearing” · English
#156
Hailey Girl
HAY-lee
“hay clearing” · English
#104
Sydney Girl
SIHD-nee
“from an English surname and place name” · Old English
#348
Marley Girl
MAHR-lee
“pleasant wood or clearing” · English
#322
Haley Girl
HAY-lee
“hay clearing” · English
#861
Kelsey Girl
KEHL-see
“from an English place name; ship island” · English
#814
Hadley Girl
HAD-lee
“heather clearing” · English
#121
Presley Girl
PREZ-lee
“priest's clearing” · English
#225
Harley Unisex
HAR-lee
“hare meadow” · Old English
#418
Holly Girl
HAH-lee
“the holly tree” · English
#416
Lindsey Girl
LIHN-zee
“from Lindsey, 'island of Lincoln'” · English
#1,369
Hayley Girl
HAY-lee
“hay clearing” · English
#1,251
Lists that include Ashley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ashley mean?
Ashley is an English and Old English name that means “ash tree clearing”.
What is the origin of the name Ashley?
Ashley has English and Old English roots. Ashley comes from an English surname and place name meaning ash tree clearing, from the Old English aesc, ash tree, and leah, a woodland clearing.
Is Ashley a popular name?
Yes. Ashley ranked #164 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Ashley a boy or girl name?
Ashley is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Ashley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Ashley?
Ashley is usually pronounced ASH-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