Declining since 2010, #7,133 for girls today.
Popularity of Ainslie since 1977
Babies named Ainslie per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 27 |
| 1990s | 57 |
| 2000s | 212 |
| 2010s | 237 |
| 2020s | 81 |
Meaning & origin
Ainslie first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1977, a relatively recent adoption as a given name. It reached its highest usage in 2009 (rank 7,133 that year), but has since declined, reflecting a broader trend as a 'falling' name since 2010. As of 2025, it remains an uncommon choice, with a one-in-107,151 rate of occurrence. Its Scottish heritage and unisex history appeal to parents seeking a distinctive, place-inspired name. Unlike many modern names, Ainslie has not broken into the top 1,000, maintaining a quiet presence outside the mainstream.
Ainslie is a Scottish habitational surname derived from the lands of Ainslie in the former county of Roxburghshire (now part of the Scottish Borders). The place name itself is of uncertain origin, possibly from Old English 'an' (one, solitary) and 'leah' (woodland, clearing), meaning 'solitary clearing'. The name transitioned to a given name in the modern era, initially more common for boys in Scotland, but now predominantly used for girls in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ains, Ainsley, Lee
Sibling names for Ainslie
Names that share Ainslie's style, for a brother or sister.
