Origin & Meaning of the Ashley Surname
What does the last name Ashley mean?
The surname Ashley carries the meaning "From a meadow or clearing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 38,499 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ashley ranks as the #900 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ashley come from?
The Ashley surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Ashley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ashley trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Ashley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #900 |
| US Count (2010) | 38,499 |
| Per 100K People | 13.05 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Ashley
According to the US Census, the Ashley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 38,499 Americans with the Ashley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 71.84% |
| Black | 20.6% |
| Hispanic | 2.31% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 2.35% |
| Two or More Races | 2.25% |
Popularity of Ashley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ashley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ashley surname increased by 1,478 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Ashley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashley
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