Ashli is a unique and distinctive female given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "ash" which means "happiness". The name Ashli is believed to have been popularized by American author J.D. Salinger, who used it in his novel "The Catcher in the Rye". In the book, Ashli is portrayed as a character who is both intelligent and independent, characteristics that may contribute to the name's appeal. While not extensively used, the name Ashli has gained some recognition over time due to its association with the famous literary work. It is also notable for being a unisex name, as it can be given to either boys or girls. Overall, Ashli is an uncommon yet meaningful name that carries a hint of happiness and intellectualism.
"The name Ashli saw a significant peak in popularity between 1982 and 1989, with over 300 births each year during this period. However, its usage has since declined dramatically, with fewer than 100 births per year from the mid-1990s onwards, and only single-digit numbers in recent years."