Ainsley is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Aindreas," which means "manly" or "courageous." It is also associated with the Irish surname Ainsworth, which comes from the Old English words "Änisc" meaning "only" and "worð" meaning "enclosure," hence the meaning "living alone in an enclosure."
The name Ainsley has a rich history dating back to medieval times. It was often used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name in the 20th century. Some notable individuals with the name include American actor and director Ainsley Bailey, known for his role in the television series "General Hospital," and English cricketer Ainsley Dunbar.
In terms of popularity, Ainsley has been used relatively infrequently as a given name compared to many other names. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has never reached the top 1000 most popular boys' names since records began in 1879. However, it is worth noting that its use has fluctuated over time, with peaks in popularity occurring in the mid-20th century.
Overall, Ainsley is a unique and historic name with a strong meaning and Scottish heritage. Its relative rarity as a given name means that those who bear this name may stand out and have a distinctive identity.
The name Ainsley has seen a varied pattern of usage in the United States over the past seven decades, with fluctuations in its popularity from year to year.
From 1950 to 1976, there were fewer than ten births per year with the name Ainsley, indicating that it was relatively uncommon during this period. However, there was a notable increase in its usage starting from 1977, with eight births recorded that year. This trend continued throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, with an average of six to nine births per year.
The name Ainsley experienced a significant surge in popularity between 2000 and 2004, with the highest number of births recorded at 17 in 2005. This marked a peak for the name's usage during this period. However, its popularity began to decline thereafter, with fewer than ten births per year from 2006 onwards.
Despite the decrease in popularity, Ainsley has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in recent years. Between 2010 and 2023, there have been an average of nine births per year with this name, indicating that it continues to be chosen by parents as a viable option for their children.
In total, over the past seven decades, there have been 418 recorded births in the United States with the name Ainsley. This demonstrates that while its popularity has varied over time, it remains an enduring choice among parents looking for distinctive and unique names for their children.