Ashley
Meaning: Ash tree meadow; dweller near the ash tree clearing
Origin: Old English — from æsc (ash tree) + leah (meadow, clearing)
Gender: Unisex
Rank in Canada: #979
Total births: 25,985
History: From the Old English meaning ash tree meadow. Ashley surged in Canada in the 1980s-1990s. Used for both genders in Canada, though primarily female. A peak millennial Canadian name.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Canada’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2024) | #465 |
| Babies named Ashley in 2024 | 27 |
| Total recorded in Canada | 25,985 |
| Peak year | 1985 (2,021 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #1 |
| Years in records | 1952–2024 (62 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 103 spots |
Frequently asked about Ashley
What does the name Ashley mean?
Ashley means “Ash tree meadow; dweller near the ash tree clearing” from Old English — from æsc (ash tree) + leah (meadow, clearing) roots.
What is the origin of the name Ashley?
Ashley has Old English — from æsc (ash tree) + leah (meadow, clearing) origin. The traditional meaning is “Ash tree meadow; dweller near the ash tree clearing”.
How popular is Ashley in Canada?
Ashley ranked #465 in Canada in 2024 — given to 27 babies that year.
When was Ashley most popular?
Ashley peaked in 1985 with 2,021 babies registered that year in Canada.
Is Ashley a boy or girl name?
Ashley is predominantly a girls' name in Canada — over 90% of Ashleys in registered births are female.
Is the name Ashley rising or falling in popularity?
Ashley has fallen 103 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Canada — from #362 in 2019 to #465 in 2024.
How long has Ashley been recorded in Canada?
Ashley appears in birth records in Canada across 62 years — from 1952 through 2024.