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Last Name Ainslie

What is the origin of the last name Ainslie?

The last name Ainslie is of Scottish origin, derived from the name of a village in Scotland called Ainslie. It may also be a variation of the surname Aynsley, which is derived from the Old English personal name Ægen or Ælfwine.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ainslie

The meaning and origin of the last name Ainslie

The surname Ainslie is of Scottish origin and is derived from a place name in Scotland. The name is believed to come from the Old English words "an", meaning "one", and "hlaw", meaning "hill", possibly referring to a person who lived near or on a single hill. The Ainslie surname is commonly found in Scotland and has historical ties to the Scottish Borders region.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ainslie

The last name Ainslie is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Borders and Edinburgh. It can also be found in smaller numbers in England, Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ainslie

1. Ainslie
2. Aynsley
3. Ainsley
4. Aynslee
5. Ainsly

Famous people with the last name Ainslie

1. Ben Ainslie - British Olympic sailor
2. Robert Ainslie - Scottish clergyman and friend of Robert Burns
3. William Ainslie - South African cricketer
4. John Ainslie - Scottish cartographer and mapmaker
5. Ian Ainslie - South African rugby union player

Genealogical research on the last name Ainslie

The surname Ainslie is of Scottish origin, derived from the place name Anesley in the parish of Eccles, Berwickshire. The earliest recorded spelling of the name is de Anerly, which dates back to the 12th century. The Ainslie family is one of the oldest and most prominent families in Scotland, with a long and noble history. They were granted lands and titles by various Scottish monarchs throughout the centuries.

Notable members of the Ainslie family include Sir Robert Ainslie, a diplomat who served as British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in the late 18th century, and Sir Whitelaw Ainslie, a Scottish physician and botanist who made significant contributions to the field of plant taxonomy.

The Ainslie family crest features a shield with three red roses on a silver background, symbolizing love, grace, and beauty. The family motto is "Be mindful," which reflects the importance of being aware and conscious in all endeavors.

Overall, the Ainslie family has a rich and storied history in Scotland, with many esteemed members who have made significant contributions to their fields of expertise.

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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