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Ashley

Boy / Girl name · 6,020 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Ashley: 6,020 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 545 births in 1987.

The name Ashley is of Old English origin, derived from *æsc* meaning "ash tree" and *lēah* meaning "clearing or meadow," so it originally described someone who lived near an ash wood. Famous bearers include the English footballer Ashley Cole and the American actress Ashley Olsen, while the Ashley River in South Carolina shares the same root. In medieval times, Ashley was used predominantly for boys, but it became widely popular for girls in the 20th century, especially through literary and pop culture associations. In Scotland, the name has been consistently given to both genders since the 1970s, reflecting its enduring cross-cultural appeal as a gentle, nature-inspired choice.