Declining since 1987, #164 for girls today.
Popularity of Ashley since 1917
Babies named Ashley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 7 |
| 1940s | 86 |
| 1950s | 221 |
| 1960s | 2,566 |
| 1970s | 21,053 |
| 1980s | 352,185 |
| 1990s | 301,820 |
| 2000s | 133,051 |
| 2010s | 37,237 |
| 2020s | 11,626 |
Meaning & origin
Ashley is a name that experienced a dramatic surge in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century. After first being recorded in 1917, it steadily climbed the charts until reaching its peak in 1987, when it held the number 2 spot. Since then, it has been on a falling trajectory, yet in 2025 it still ranks at a respectable 164, given to about 1 in every 879 baby girls. The name enjoyed its strongest popularity in the 1980s, particularly in states like Washington, D.C., Rhode Island, and Florida, where it ranked among the top choices. Its decline from the top tier has been gradual, reflecting shifting tastes toward more modern or revived names, but it remains a recognizable and enduring choice.
Ashley originated as an English surname derived from the Old English elements "æsc" (ash tree) and "lēah" (clearing, meadow). It was originally a place name for someone who lived near an ash tree grove. The name transitioned to given-name use in the 19th century, initially for boys, but by the mid-20th century it became predominantly feminine in the United States. Its surname-to-first-name pattern was part of a broader trend, and its rise to peak popularity in the 1980s mirrored other surname-style names.
Where Ashley 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.
“Ashley” around the world
Where Ashley lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
75
babies in 2024
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
Quebec
16
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ash, Lee, Ashy
Sibling names for Ashley
Names that share Ashley's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Megan, Courtney, Brittany, Heather, Lauren, Amber, Brittney, Chelsea, Jenna, Kelsey, Kim, Lindsay, Lindsey, Mallory, Shelby, Tiffany, Whitney, Breann, Britany, Britney, Britny, Brittni, Brittnie, Bryana, Carley, Chelsie, Christen, Cortney, Hailie, Jenni, Jessi, Kacie, Katelyn, Kaytlyn, Kelsi, Kimberley, Kimberli, Kortney, Kristyn, Krysta, Lesley, Lesly, Linsey, Lyndsey, Tiffini, Trista, Yadira, Ansleigh, Briann, Britani, Brittaney, Brittanie, Brittnay, Brittnee, Brittny, Courtnee, Ellyn, Jaymee, Jesika, Jessyca, Kemberly, Kimberlie, Krislyn, Krysten, Kymberly, Laurin, Leslee, Lyndsie, Yessica, Breianna, Britanie, Britanny, Brithany, Britnie, Brittanee, Brittanny, Brittiany, Brittini, Brittiny, Bryann, Chelsa, Chelsae, Cortni, Cortnie, Courtni, Courtny, Estephany, Jamielee, Jamielynn, Jennafer, Jennifier, Jesslynn, Jilian, Johnae, Kathrynn, Kimberleigh, Kimberlynn, Kimbley, Kimerly, Kortnie, Kourtnee, Kourtni, Krystie, Kymberlee, Kymberli, Lessly, Lyndsi, Lynsie, Meagen, Nashley, Nikkole, Samanatha, Shannell, Shawnie, Tifani, Tiffeny, Tiffiany, Timberly, Amylynn, Ashonti, Brittane, Brittiney, Brittne, Bryttani, Bryttany, Caitlen, Chealsea, Chelcee, Cortny, Dashley, Esthefany, Jacklynn, Jenalee, Jerricka, Jesscia, Kaitlyne, Katilynn, Kaytie, Keslie, Kimbely, Kimberely, Lezley, Lindsee, Lindzey, Lyndsee, Lynley, Raquell, Rickelle, Stephanny, Tiffinie, Tyffany, Waverley, Yaritzel, Britiany, Chelcy, Chelesa, Cherae, Nocole, Staphany, Yarieliz, Brentney, Brettany, Britanee, Britaney, Brithney, Britnay, Brittanni, Brittanyann, Brittnei, Brytney, Brytni, Caytlyn, Chalsea, Chelcey, Chelci, Chelsei, Chelsye, Chrishelle, Courtnei, Crysten, Danyle, Jeanifer, Jennfier, Jenniferlynn, Jesicca, Jessic, Jessicalynn, Jessice, Jessieca, Kaityln, Katilin, Keyshla, Khristen, Kimberlly, Kimblery, Kourtnei, Krisi, Krystale, Kurstyn, Kyrstal, Leslea, Linsie, Lizmary, Megon, Nickcole, Nicloe, Nikcole, Samanthan, Shley, Taylormarie, Tifanny, Tiffanni, Tifini, Whittany
Brothers: Brandon, Ryan, Joshua, Justin, Matthew, Bradley, Derek, Micheal, Trenton, Trey, Brandan, Dereck, Jarred, Jonathon, Junior, Tristin, Zachery, Chrishawn, Jeramey, Jhony, Justan, Brandonlee, Chaddrick, Christoher, Maycol, Chrisean, Branndon, Devinn, Garrus, Michaeal
Names like Ashley
Names whose popularity has moved with Ashley's over the last 50 years.
