Declining since 1988.
Popularity of Ashli since 1970
Babies named Ashli per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 457 |
| 1980s | 2,191 |
| 1990s | 2,169 |
| 2000s | 736 |
| 2010s | 128 |
| 2020s | 37 |
Meaning & origin
Ashli is a modern respelling of Ashley, a name that rose dramatically in popularity for girls in the United States during the 1980s. The variant Ashli was first recorded in 1970 and reached its peak rank in 1989, reflecting the peak of the Ashley name's broader popularity. Since 1988, the trajectory of Ashli has been falling, a pattern that mirrors the decline of many similar creative spellings from that era. While the exact origins of the name are uncertain, it is clearly derived from the Old English place name meaning 'ash tree meadow.' Although Ashli has not been among the top 1,000 names in recent years, its heyday in the 1980s and early 1990s places it among a cohort of names (like Kaitlyn, Brianna, and Megan) that defined a generation. Today, it remains a recognizable but less common choice.
Ashli is a modern respelling of Ashley, a name of Old English origin from the words 'æsc' (ash tree) and 'lēah' (woodland clearing, meadow). As a given name, Ashley was originally masculine but became predominantly feminine in the United States during the 1980s. The variant Ashli emerged in the late 20th century as part of a trend toward creative spellings.
Where Ashli 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: Ash, Lee
Sibling names for Ashli
Names that share Ashli's style, for a brother or sister.
