Declining since 2019, #844 for girls today.
Popularity of Ensley since 1997
Babies named Ensley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 132 |
| 2010s | 1,541 |
| 2020s | 2,115 |
Meaning & origin
Ensley first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1997, a relatively recent arrival among modern surname-inspired names. It climbed steadily to its peak rank in 2020, but has since been falling in popularity; as of 2025 it ranks 844th, with about 1 in every 4992 newborns receiving the name. The name is most frequently given in Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma, reflecting a concentration in the central United States. Ensley shares stylistic ground with other -ley ending names like Paisley and Kinsley, but remains less common. Its rising then falling trajectory since 2019 suggests it may be a trend-sensitive choice rather than a lasting classic.
Ensley originates as a English surname of locative origin, derived from various places named Ensley or Endsleigh. The place name elements likely come from the Old English personal name 'Ean' or 'Eni' and 'leah', meaning 'woodland clearing.' As a given name, Ensley is a modern coinage, primarily used for girls in the United States since the late 20th century, following the trend of surnames and -ley ending names.
Where Ensley is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ens, Lee
Sibling names for Ensley
Names that share Ensley's style, for a brother or sister.
