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Last Name Ainsley

What is the origin of the last name Ainsley?

The last name "Ainsley" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Æneglaf" and the word "lēah", meaning "clearing". Over time, the name evolved into "Ænegleslēah" before eventually becoming Ainsley.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ainsley

The meaning and origin of the last name Ainsley

The surname Ainsley is of English origin. It is derived from a place name in Northumberland, England, which means "the clearing belonging to Ayn or Ægen." The name Ayn or Ægen is of Old English origin and means "one." The surname Ainsley has variations such as Aynsley and Ainslie.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ainsley

The last name Ainsley is predominantly found in the United Kingdom and Scotland. It is less common in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ainsley

The last name Ainsley has several variations and spellings that may be encountered. Some common variations include Ainslie, Ainsleigh, Aynsley, and Ansley. These variations may be due to differences in local dialects, transcription errors, or changes in spelling over time. Ainsley is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the place name Ainslie in the Scottish Borders region. The name is believed to mean "one's own meadow" in Old English. With its roots in Scotland, the surname Ainsley has spread to other English-speaking countries and may be spelled differently depending on the individual or family's preferred spelling. Regardless of the spelling, the name Ainsley carries a rich history and heritage that has been passed down through generations.

Famous people with the last name Ainsley

Some of the most famous people with the last name Ainsley include Ainsley Earhardt (American television personality), Marcus Ainsley (British theater producer), and Ted Ainsley (English professional footballer).

Genealogical research on the last name Ainsley

The surname Ainsley is of Scottish origin and is believed to be locational, denoting someone who came from a place called Ainsley, which is derived from the Old English personal name "Ægen" and the Old English word "lēah," meaning "wood" or "clearing." The name Ainsley first appeared in records in the 13th century in Northumberland, England. Variations of the name include Ainslie, Ainsly, Ansley, and Ansly. Researching the genealogy of the Ainsley surname may involve tracing family members through historical records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, and other genealogical documents. Additionally, DNA testing may provide further insight into the origins and connections of individuals with the surname Ainsley.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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