"woodland clearing near a hermitage"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Ansley
Pronunciation: [ ANSL-ee ]
Does Ansley flow with your last name?
A fresh Southern surname name with pastoral English roots
American
Southern American
English
Modern
Earthy
Unique
Playful
Gentle
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The Story of Ansley
Ansley is an English surname turned given name, derived from Old English place names meaning 'hermitage clearing' or 'hermit's meadow,' from 'ansetl' (hermitage) and 'leah' (woodland clearing). Several villages in England bear this name. Like many -ley/-sley names, it transitioned from surname to given name in American usage.
Ansley has been rising in the American South particularly, fitting into the popular pattern of -ley surname names for girls. It sits in a sweet spot between the familiar Ashley and the trendier Ainsley, offering something slightly different from both.
Ansley is particularly associated with Southern American naming culture, where surname-style names for girls have long been fashionable. Ansley Park is also a historic neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia, adding local cultural resonance.
Historical Record
Ansley first appeared in US Social Security records in 1960.
Over 11,705 babies have been named Ansley in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ansley is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,317 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Ansley Park in Atlanta, Georgia is a historic early 20th-century neighborhood designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
- The -sley suffix pattern (Ashley, Ainsley, Ansley) has been particularly popular in the American South since the 1980s
- Ansley as a given name emerged primarily in the American South in the late 20th century
Ansley in Other Languages
English
Ansley
American
Ansley
Popularity Over Time
#1,317
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ansley
A
Ansley Burns
Entertainer
2007
American child performer and social media personality who gained attention on various talent shows
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Compare Ansley with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,317
- Total SSA Count
- 174
- Cultural Origins
- American Southern American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ans
Lee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ansley
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Ansley is also used as a boy name, ranked #20105.
View Ansley as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ansley
What does the name Ansley mean?
"woodland clearing near a hermitage" (from Old English). Ansley is an English surname turned given name, derived from Old English place names meaning 'hermitage clearing' or 'hermit's meadow,' from 'ansetl' (hermitage) and 'leah' (woodland clearing). Several villages in England bear this name. Like many -ley/-sley names, it transitioned from surname to given name in American usage.
What is the origin of the name Ansley?
Ansley has Old English, American, Southern American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "woodland clearing near a hermitage".
Is Ansley a boy or girl name?
Ansley is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1317. As a boy name, it is ranked #20105. Ansley is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Ansley?
Ansley is pronounced ANSL-ee.
How popular is the name Ansley?
Ansley is currently ranked #1317 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Ansley?
Common nicknames for Ansley include Ans and Lee.
What are good middle names for Ansley?
Popular middle name pairings include Ansley Grace, Ansley Mae, Ansley Rose, Ansley Claire, Ansley Kate, Ansley Jane, and Ansley Elizabeth.
What are good sibling names for Ansley?
Names that pair well with Ansley as siblings include Hadley, Kinsley, Brayden, Emerson, Presley, Sawyer, Reagan, and Tenley.
How many syllables does Ansley have?
Ansley has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ansley a common or rare name?
Ansley is an uncommon name, ranked #1317 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Ansley?
Are there other spellings for Ansley?
Related spellings include Ansleigh.
About the Name Ansley
Ansley is a girl name with American, Southern American, and English origins . The name means "woodland clearing near a hermitage" in Old English .
Is Ansley a boy or girl name? Ansley is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,317 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #20,105. Ansley is more commonly used as a girl name.
Ansley is currently ranked #1,317 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Ansley has 2 syllables and is pronounced ANSL-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Ansley include Ans and Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Ansley include Ansleigh . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis