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name Common

Ashley

ASH-lee

Ashley (name) means a given name, used for both men and women, originally taken from an English surname and place name. Example: “Ashley started a new job in marketing this spring.”

name
1
A given name, used for both men and women, originally taken from an English surname and place name.
"Ashley started a new job in marketing this spring."
"Her grandfather, also named Ashley, grew up in Yorkshire."
2
A surname, and the name of several English villages and towns.
"The Ashley family has owned the estate for generations."

How to Use Ashley

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA common English first name and surname, originally the name of a place (a clearing full of ash trees).

Memory tip

In the US it usually reads as a girl's name; in the UK it's used for both boys and girls.

Trace the full origin ↓

Word Forms

Ashleys plural

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Test yourself on “Ashley” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

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_____ started a new job in marketing this spring.

Etymology

From Old English elements meaning "ash tree" and "clearing" — literally a clearing among ash trees.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for Ashley

See all rhymes for Ashley →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Ashley” mean?

The word “Ashley” means a given name, used for both men and women, originally taken from an English surname and place name. In plain terms, a common English first name and surname, originally the name of a place (a clearing full of ash trees).

How do you pronounce “Ashley”?

“Ashley” is pronounced ASH-lee (/ˈæʃli/ in IPA).

How do you use “Ashley” in a sentence?

Here is “Ashley” used in a sentence: “Ashley started a new job in marketing this spring.”

What part of speech is “Ashley”?

“Ashley” is a name.

Where does the word “Ashley” come from?

The word “Ashley” comes from Old English. From Old English elements meaning "ash tree" and "clearing" — literally a clearing among ash trees.

Is “Ashley” a common word?

“Ashley” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Ashley” have?

“Ashley” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a given name, used for both men and women, originally taken from an English surname and place name.

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