Annsley is a unique and elegant name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Æþelstan, which consists of two elements: æþel meaning "noble" or "high," and stan meaning "stone." Thus, the name Annsley translates to "noble stone."
The use of the name Æthelstan can be traced back to early medieval England. It was borne by several important historical figures, including Æthelstan the Glorious, who ruled over the unified kingdom of England from 924 to 939 AD and is considered the first king of all England. This association with a powerful and influential ruler has contributed to the name's prestigious image.
Over time, the name Æthelstan evolved through various forms such as Athelstan, Atlestan, and eventually Annsley. The shift from Æthelstan to Annsley is believed to have occurred during the Victorian era when there was a trend of creating new feminine forms of names traditionally given to boys.
Today, Annsley remains a rare and distinctive name, often used as an alternative to more popular choices like Anastasia or Annabelle. Its unique sound and rich historical background make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a special name for their daughter.
In summary, the name Annsley has English origins and means "noble stone." It is derived from the Old English personal name Æthelstan, which was borne by several significant historical figures. Over time, the name evolved into its current form and is now primarily used as a feminine given name. Despite its rarity, Annsley's elegant sound and fascinating history make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a unique name for their daughter.
The name Annsley has been given to a total of 877 babies born in the United States over the past 45 years, based on the annual birth statistics provided.
The popularity of the name Annsley has fluctuated over time. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was relatively uncommon, with only a handful of births each year. However, starting in the mid-1990s, its popularity began to rise steadily.
From 1995 onwards, there were consistently more than 10 births each year for babies named Annsley. The peak years for this name were between 2011 and 2017, during which time there were more than 50 births annually.
Despite a slight decline in popularity since then, with around 30 births each year from 2018 to 2022, Annsley remains a recognizable and unique name. It is likely that many of these children will grow up knowing others who share their distinctive moniker.