Ainsley \a(i)-ns-ley, ain-sley\ as a boy's name (also used as girl's name Ainsley), is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Ainsley is "only hermitage wood or clearing". Originally a place name: either Annesley or Ansley. Also transferred use of the Scottish surname Ainslie, which is borne by a powerful family long established in the Scottish borders.

Ainsley has 7 variant forms: Ainslee, Ainsleigh, Ainslie, Ansley, Aynslee, Aynsley and Aynslie.

Baby names that sound like Ainsley are Annsley, Ainsly and Ainslea.