StorkWorld

Ashley vs Mary

Which is more popular?
Mary is more popular than Ashley today: about 2,230 US babies were given the name Mary in 2025, compared with 1,829 named Ashley.
AshleyMary
Meaning — Of debated origin
Origin — Hebrew
Gender Girl Girl
Pronunciation — MAIR-ee
Syllables — 2
First appeared19171880
Peak year1987 (54,856)1921 (73,984)
In 20251,8292,230
TrendDecliningDeclining
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Ashley Mary
18801900192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeAshleyMary
2020s 11,626 12,985
2010s 37,237 25,693
2000s 133,051 46,337
1990s 301,820 75,723
1980s 352,185 95,862
1970s 21,053 126,254
1960s 2,566 355,240
1950s 221 625,606
1940s 86 640,080
1930s 7 573,000
1920s 0 701,755
1910s 5 478,636
1900s 0 161,504
1890s 0 131,138
1880s 0 91,668

What does Ashley mean?

Ashley is an English name from Old English æsc (“ash tree”) and lēah (“wood, clearing”) — “ash-tree meadow.” It began as a place name and surname and was originally a boy’s name before becoming chiefly female in the United States.

What does Mary mean?

Mary descends through Greek Maria from the Hebrew Miriam. Its original meaning is debated — proposals include “sea of bitterness,” “beloved,” and “wished-for child.” Borne by Mary the mother of Jesus, it became one of the most enduring names in the Western world.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ashley or Mary more popular?

Mary is more popular than Ashley today: about 2,230 US babies were given the name Mary in 2025, compared with 1,829 named Ashley.

Which name is older, Ashley or Mary?

In US records, Ashley first appears in 1917 and Mary in 1880, so Mary has the longer recorded history.