Ashby is an unusual, yet intriguing given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'æsc', which means 'ash tree'. The '-by' suffix indicates that it was once a surname used to denote someone who lived in or near an ash tree grove. In medieval times, names like Ashby were typically passed down as surnames rather than given names. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in using Ashby as a first name, particularly for boys but also occasionally for girls. Despite its origins, Ashby does not have any specific association with the month of March or any particular saint's day. Instead, it is a name that stands alone, reminiscent of rural England and the natural world.
"From 1969 to 2023, the name Ashby experienced significant fluctuations in popularity, with a notable increase starting from 2000 and peaking at 34 births in 2011. The total number of births with this name over these years amounts to 732."