Ainsley

girlOld English

Ainsley is an girl name of Old English, via Scottish surname origin, meaning “Clearing by a hermitage”.

MeaningClearing by a hermitage
GenderGirl
OriginOld English, via Scottish surname
PronunciationAYNZ-lee
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Canada, Scotland

Meaning and origin of Ainsley

Ainsley began as a Scottish and English surname taken from places such as Annesley in Nottinghamshire and Ansley in Warwickshire. These place names are usually explained from Old English ansetl, 'hermitage', plus leah, 'woodland clearing'. The popular gloss 'one's own meadow' is a looser reading. Long used as a boy's name in Britain, it is now mainly given to girls in North America.

Is Ainsley a religious name?

Ainsley is a surname-based name with no particular religious background.

How popular is Ainsley?

Moderately used for girls in the United States and Canada; in Britain it is still sometimes a boy's name.

Gifts with the name Ainsley

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Spellings and variants of Ainsley

AinsleeAinslieAnsley

Names similar to Ainsley

KinsleyHadleyPaisleyLindsay

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Ainsley mean?

Ainsley means 'Clearing by a hermitage'. It is of Old English, via Scottish surname origin.

Does Ainsley have a religious meaning?

Ainsley is a surname-based name with no particular religious background.

How do you pronounce Ainsley?

Ainsley is pronounced AYNZ-lee.

Is Ainsley a boy or girl name?

Ainsley is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.