Back to Baby Names

Ansley

Pronunciation: [ ANSL-ee ]

Girl Name #1,317 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A fresh Southern surname name with pastoral English roots

American Southern American English
Modern Earthy Unique Playful Gentle

Meaning & Origin

"woodland clearing near a hermitage"
Origin: Old English
Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Ansley

A

Ansley Burns

Entertainer

2007

American child performer and social media personality who gained attention on various talent shows

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

Pairs Well With

Ansley Grace Ansley Mae Ansley Rose Ansley Claire Ansley Kate Ansley Jane Ansley Elizabeth

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Ansley is also used as a boy name, ranked #20105.

View Ansley as a boy name →

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Ansley and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Ansley sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

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.

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.

Explore Name Lists