The name Ainsley originated from an English surname that derived from a place name, Annesley, in Nottinghamshire, England. The name Annesley comes from the Old English words "anne" meaning "solitary" and "ley" meaning "meadow" or "clearing." The name Ainsley likely emerged as a variant spelling of the surname during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ainsley dates back to the 13th century, when a person named Ainsley de Annesley was mentioned in the Testa de Nevill, a record of land holdings in England. The name continued to be used primarily as a surname throughout the Middle Ages and into the modern era.

The first recorded use of Ainsley as a given name appears to be in the late 19th century. One of the earliest known individuals with the first name Ainsley was Ainsley Armstrong (1886-1962), a Canadian politician who served as a member of the House of Commons of Canada.

Other notable individuals named Ainsley throughout history include:

1. Ainsley Harriott (born 1957), a British chef, television presenter, and author.
2. Ainsley Maitland-Niles (born 1997), an English professional football player.
3. Ainsley Earhardt (born 1976), an American television personality and author.
4. Ainsley Candrich (1898-1983), an American film director and screenwriter.
5. Ainsley Gommon (born 1972), a Canadian actress and singer.

While the name Ainsley has its roots in England, it has gained popularity as a given name in various English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The name has been used for both males and females, although it is more commonly given to girls in recent decades.