Declining since 2014, #483 for girls today.
Popularity of Ainsley since 1961
Babies named Ainsley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 17 |
| 1970s | 99 |
| 1980s | 355 |
| 1990s | 814 |
| 2000s | 6,367 |
| 2010s | 8,961 |
| 2020s | 3,857 |
Meaning & origin
Ainsley entered the U.S. popularity charts for girls in 1961 and climbed steadily, reaching its peak rank of 483 in 2014. Since then, it has been on a declining trajectory, with its rank falling each year. In 2025, the name sat at rank 483, with about 1 in 2,588 newborn girls receiving it. While it has never been widespread, Ainsley has shown particular favor in states such as Maine, North Dakota, and West Virginia, where it ranked highest relative to other names. Its similar sound to other trendy surname-names like Reagan and Ainsley's unisex history likely contribute to its appeal.
Ainsley is a transferred use of an English surname derived from the Old English personal name Ane (or possibly Agn) combined with leah, meaning 'clearing' or 'meadow.' The surname originates from places named Ainsley in various parts of England. As a given name, it was traditionally masculine but has shifted toward feminine usage in recent decades, particularly in the United States, where it gained popularity starting in the late 20th century.
Where Ainsley is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ains, Ainsey, Lee
Sibling names for Ainsley
Names that share Ainsley's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Avery, Ellis, Kendall, Peyton, Reagan, Aniston, Emberly, Haisley, Skye, Zaylee, Acelynn, Ashby, Azlynn, Bexley, Cambree, Chesney, Fallyn, Hensley, Hudsyn, Kenlee, Kinsleigh, Kirstyn, Larkin, Paiton, Rozlyn, Skylynn, Acelyn, Adlee, Alleigh, Amberley, Ashland, Asley, Berkleigh, Berlyn, Cambri, Elleigh, Emsley, Greenlee, Harlym, Jailin, Keleigh, Kodee, Korrine, Kyleah, Lesleigh, Lesslie, Maddyx, Makinlee, Melrose, Payslee, Raynee, Reghan, Skyleigh, Weslie, Addley, Aidee, Allaina, Amberle, Aslee, Aslin, Aslynn, Bentli, Brayley, Brecklynn, Breena, Brynlea, Caelynn, Charlsey, Denym, Devoiry, Evaleigh, Ezlyn, Ezlynn, Greidys, Kaileen, Katalea, Kenlei, Kenzly, Kilyn, Lailyn, Lakely, Makenzye, Mayzee, Milynn, Quinlynn, Raylea, Rayley, Remingtyn, Rieley, Shaylon, Siddalee, Skilynn, Swayzee, Swayzie, Taegen, Waverley, Jaelyne, Aidaly, Asly, Aunisty, Azlin, Brayah, Brielyn, Brightyn, Caelie, Cambelle, Eslie, Gentri, Greysi, Hasley, Ileigh, Journeigh, Kaydynce, Khaylee, Lachlyn, Lakie, Mackinsey, Marsali, Mattalynn, Mayella, Mosley, Renezmae, Shealeigh, Yaslyn, Yazlyn
Brothers: Carson, Dylan, Finley, Harper, Quinn, Brentley, Brodie, Gentry, Kendrick, Kenyon, Malcom, Adair, Arlington, Baylen, Braylin, Coltyn, Dalyn, Kainen, Keilan, Taylen, Tylin, Aceyn, Aidric, Braydin, Bryston, Chozyn, Cordale, Coulson, Daelan, Dayson, Dupree, Findley, Fraser, Huxlee, Keaghan, Khylen, Knoxx, Macallan, Quintrell, Raidyn, Rhyker, Slayton, Stirling, Bowyn, Brallan, Brendin, Breyson, Caisyn, Currie, Draiden, Dreyton, Jayln, Jayvyn, Keilon, Kellon, Keylan, Maijor, Nayden, Paiden, Raydon, Rayson, Ryot, Vallen, Woodley, Caulin, Beckhem, Brookston, Brydan, Brysyn, Chanceler, Chantry, Corgan, Daxten, Daxter, Dayvin, Demere, Draedyn, Draxler, Drezden, Grantland, Hooper, Kartel, Kashtin, Kashus, Kelsen, Khilyn, Klayten, Prynceton, Quindell, Ramzey, Royel, Sladen, Taevyn, Trindon, Wensley, Xaylen
Names like Ainsley
Names whose popularity has moved with Ainsley's over the last 50 years.
