Ashley...too 90s?

[PatMustardsBigTool]

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!

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!

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

Dated and seems quite masculine.

@Tuscadero that's what I was thinking

Astrid I dislike because of the "ass" sound

Ashley I love

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

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

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

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

Thanks for all your thoughts! Ashley (definitely with this spelling ) 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!

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.

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

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

I love the name Ashley, but for boys.

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.