Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Ainsley

Ainsley is the transferred use of a Scottish surname found mainly in the border regions of Scotland and derived from a place name. This surname dates back to the 11th century and was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The name is derived from the Olde English words "ansetl" (hermitage) and “lēah” (wood clearing, glade) to signify a ‘solitary glade’. It has been a family name (Ainslie) by a powerful clan long established in the border lands of Scotland with a motto “For country often, for King always”. The use of Ainsley as a forename is relatively recent and although it has largely been considered a male name, it is primarily used as a female given name in the United States.

All About the Baby Name – Ainsley

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME AINSLEY

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME AINSLEY

Ainsley made her debut on the female naming charts in America only this century (2001). In the United States, this name has been used for both males and females, although never enough for boys to even make the charts. When Ainsley first appeared on the female charts in 2001, she jumped onto a moderately respectable position of #481. Off to a good start, for sure. In the past 10 years, the name has advanced a little over 100 spots on the charts, but her usage is still only moderate. In the past 10 years, maybe about 10,000 little girls received this name in total. And even though the name is technically unisex, in America we pretty much consider it almost exclusively female. Because the name is non-gender specific and derived from a surname, it’s got an androgynous resonance to it. Ainsley is not frilly or flowery – but it is cute and pretty. It’s never been overused, so it’s not super common; therefore making this one an original ‘solitary’ choice!

Quick Facts

ON AINSLEY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Scottish

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

332

PRONUNCIATION:

AYNZ-lee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Solitary glade

Characteristics

OF AINSLEY

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Ainsley

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME AINSLEY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Ainsley

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME AINSLEY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Ainsley


Popular Songs

ON AINSLEY

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Ainsley


Famous People

NAMED AINSLEY

Ainsley Harriott (British celebrity chef)
Ainsley Bennett (Olympic athlete)
Ainsley Earhardt (TV journalist)
Ainsley Gotto (Australian businesswoman)
Ainsley Battles (football player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED AINSLEY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Ainsley

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME AINSLEY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Ainsley