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Original poster

Ashley...too 90s?

39 replies

PatMustardsBigTool · 06/02/2021 22:08

Just cannot decide on a name for DD3 due soon. Remembered a lovely friend I had in primary school in the early 90s called Ashley and think I'm leaning towards it.

Much prefer this spelling rather than Ashleigh, although I know it is the traditional male spelling. Having had a google, it looks like it's way down in the 800s for baby girl names now, having had its peak in 1991-1992.

Does it seem too retro now? I just can't make a decision if I like it or I'm just feeling nostalgic for my old friend.

DD1 has a classic top 10 name and DD2 has a distinct 80s name (which we love!) so I don't think it'd be out of place.

Any thoughts or other suggestions welcome!

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YoniAndGuy · 09/02/2021 13:04

I've never known a female spell it Ashley in the uk - it's Ashleigh for girls. But yes commoner in the US so I don't think there'd be a particular issue really.

However, I really dislike the name itself and it sounds pretty outdated and downmarket.

VenusClapTrap · 09/02/2021 13:00

I love the name Ashley, but for boys.

PompomDahlia · 08/02/2021 23:27

Sounds quite American to me, also quite harsh sounding. It makes me think of names like Madison, Avery, Everley, Emerson

The Ashleys at my school were all really naughty boys so that would put me off

RichAssWhoopin · 08/02/2021 13:07

I have known 1 female Ashley and 2 males Ashley's. I prefer it for girls and like the name more than Madeleine.

Juliet Ashley is pretty

Original poster
PatMustardsBigTool · 08/02/2021 12:41

I've never known a male Ashley in real life so I think that's why I don't get a masculine vibe from it.

OP posts:
Original poster
PatMustardsBigTool · 08/02/2021 12:39

Thanks for all your thoughts! Ashley (definitely with this spelling Wink) is still on the list.

Not that keen on Audrey.

List in no particular order so far is:

Madeleine (possibly front runner)
Juliet
Ashley
Sophia
Amelie
Lydia

Finding it so hard 3rd time around!

OP posts:
MerryChristmasToYou · 08/02/2021 09:41

Ashley is dated because it says 'over 35 yrs old' or something.
Audrey is just horrible.

Thefaceofboe · 08/02/2021 09:18

How tf can someone say Ashley is dated, then suggest Audrey in the same breath

I think it’s because Ashley isn’t old enough to necessarily make a comeback yet, where as older names, such as Audrey, are back in fashion. Same with Arthur coming back into fashion but names like Stephen and Paul aren’t

Thefaceofboe · 08/02/2021 09:17

I know a baby Ashley and at first I thought very 90’s but its really grown on me and she really suits it. Ash is a cute nn too Smile

lovelilies · 08/02/2021 03:01

How tf can someone say Ashley is dated, then suggest Audrey in the same breath GrinConfused

FluffyEggsontoast · 08/02/2021 02:54

@Tuscadero that's what I was thinking

Astrid I dislike because of the "ass" sound

Ashley I love

Firebird83 · 08/02/2021 00:00

Dated and seems quite masculine.

Merename · 07/02/2021 22:13

Feels a bit dated here too but also love Astrid, and what about Audrey?

lorettAspaghettA · 07/02/2021 22:08

I have a love hate relationship with the name but I lean towards love. On one hand I think of preppy blonde cheerleaders who have bfs names Chad on the other hand the sound reminds me of sussuring leaves. It feels modern but has old roots and although it ends -ey it doesn't feel stuck in youth like Tilly, Lucy, Billie, Milly, Molly, Ellie, Bonnie etc.

Just checked the popularity of it as well and it's way out of the top 100. Good choice!

esee22 · 07/02/2021 21:03

I prefer Ashlyn as it's more feminine and more modern-sounding. I also prefer the spelling Ashleigh over Ashley. Nothing wrong with Ashley though.

I think Astrid is horrible.

blahblahusernameblah · 07/02/2021 20:35

Name changed ... because Ashley is my name.

Was born in the 80s, in California. Have lived in The UK since I was a child.

Very popular girls name in America at the time. Here, I was told I had a boys name etc. I hated it for a really long time. But actually, I really like it now. It's not unusual, but it's definitely not common. And I actually think it's much more feminine than masculine. It comes from Ash Tree, and I like that.

Weird hearing that it's dated! I'm only 36. Grin

I'd say go for it, the world could do with some more female Ashley's.

GloveFromAbove · 07/02/2021 20:20

Like it (and know a 7 yr old with it) but if it’s a bit too 90s what about Ainsley/Aynsley?

MerryChristmasToYou · 07/02/2021 20:15

Ashley seems dated.

Asha will be mixed up with Asher.

I like Astrid but suspect it will be a lot more popular than people think.

ILoveStickers · 07/02/2021 08:01

It's perfectly nice. I do love Aisling and Astrid.

I think Ashley is more dated in America, where it was the most popular name for girls for a while and then dropped dramatically (I think). It was less popular and more unisex here, so I think it works better.

Nonamesavail · 07/02/2021 07:57

I like it. Unusual bit everyone knows it. My dd has a 80s/90s name. No others on class but not described as wacky or weird.

McEwan · 07/02/2021 07:32

Almost worth a thread in its own right but I think worrying about whether a name is popular is a waste of time.

There’s absolutely no way to predict for names how their popularity will develop over time. I was thinking the other day of Jackie/Jacqueline. It’s a name that was popular in the 60s/70s, maybe due to Jackie Kennedy. Now it’s way down the list. But do all the adult Jackies dislike their name. I doubt it. If you like a name, don’t worry if it’s old fashioned or popular now

babynamelover · 07/02/2021 06:12

I think Ashleigh is okay. I've seen it spelt Ashlee & Ashlea too .Here in NZ the covid advisory guy is Ashley.

It's pretty with out being too princessy also has a unisex vibe if your into that jazz.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 07/02/2021 05:06

Asha and Astrid are nice (I especially love Astrid - has a cool vibe to me) or if it's the "Lee" sound you like, then Biblical Leah is still very useable. I think Ashley does still sound quite 90's though, sorry

TinyCake · 07/02/2021 04:55

I like Ashley.
Surely 90s names are due a revival!

PainterInPeril · 06/02/2021 23:55

@PatMustardsBigTool I love the name Ashley....go for it! Congrats on your new baby. Smile

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