Declining since 2010, #1,309 for girls today.
Popularity of Ansley since 1960
Babies named Ansley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 66 |
| 1970s | 206 |
| 1980s | 557 |
| 1990s | 1,769 |
| 2000s | 3,891 |
| 2010s | 4,080 |
| 2020s | 1,309 |
Meaning & origin
Ansley first appeared on U.S. baby name charts in 1960 and has been used almost exclusively for girls. Its popularity grew steadily into the 2000s, reaching its peak rank in 2011, after which it has seen a gradual decline in frequency. In 2025, the name was given to roughly 1 in every 9,455 female births. The name remains most common in Southern states such as Kentucky (KY), Alabama (AL), and Georgia (GA). Ansley's sound and style align with other modern surname-derived feminine names like Avery and Harper. While its exact meaning is debated, it is generally considered a variant of the Scottish surname Ainsley, which traces back to an Old English place name meaning 'hermitage wood'. The name has not been strongly associated with any particular cultural or religious tradition, making it a versatile choice for contemporary families.
Ansley is likely a variant of the Scottish surname Ainsley, derived from a place name meaning 'hermitage wood' (from Old English ansetl 'hermitage' and leah 'wood, clearing'). The name first appeared as a given name in the United States in the 1960s, rising slowly in popularity through the 1990s and early 2000s before peaking in 2011.
Where Ansley 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: Annie, Lee
Sibling names for Ansley
Names that share Ansley's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Ansley
Names whose popularity has moved with Ansley's over the last 50 years.
