Ansley is a unique and elegant given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "Ænsleah", which means "enclosure" or "shield meadow". The name Ansley has a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period, where it was used as a unisex given name.
In the past, Ansley was more commonly used for males, but in recent years, it has gained popularity as a female given name. Despite its gender fluidity,Ansley is still considered quite rare and unique. It is not typically associated with any particular culture or region, making it a versatile choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name.
The name Ansley is composed of two elements: "Æn" which means "enclosure", and "leah" which means "woodland clearing". Together, these elements create a beautiful and evocative name that conjures images of peaceful meadows enclosed by protective shields. This meaning makes Ansley an excellent choice for parents looking for a name with deep roots in history and nature.
Overall, Ansley is a captivating given name with a rich history and meaningful origin. Its rarity and versatility make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a unique yet significant name for their child.
The name Ansley experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1960s to the mid-2000s, with its peak occurring around the years 2002 to 2007, during which time it was among the top 500 most popular baby girl names. However, since then, its usage has decreased steadily, placing it outside the current top 1000 names as of 2023.