Origin and Meaning of Ashlely

Ash tree meadow

Origin: English - Derived from an Old English surname which was used to describe a place where ash trees grew, derived from the elements 'æsc' (ash) and 'leah' (meadow or clearing).

• Ashley began as a surname before becoming popular as a given name in the 20th century, particularly for women.
• In the United States, Ashley became a predominantly female name from the 1980s onwards, though it was originally unisex.
• Notable bearers of the name include Ashley Judd, a well-known actress and political activist, and Ashley Graham, a plus-size model and body activist.
• Ashley consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, reaching its peak popularity in 1991.
• Variations of the name include Ashleigh, Ashlie, and Ashlee, which maintain the same pronunciation but vary in spelling.