The name Ansley has its origins in the English language and can be traced back to the medieval period. It is believed to have derived from a combination of the Old English words "ane," meaning "one" or "alone," and "leah," which referred to a clearing or meadow.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Ansley can be found in historical records from the 13th and 14th centuries. During this time, it was primarily used as a surname, often referring to someone who lived near a particular clearing or meadow. Over time, the name transitioned into a given name, though its usage remained relatively rare.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Ansley was Sir John Ansley, a prominent English landowner and knight who lived during the 14th century. Records indicate that he was born around 1320 and participated in the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

Another notable figure bearing the name Ansley was William Ansley, an English clergyman and author who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is best known for his work entitled "A Guide to Eternity," published in 1615, which addressed various theological and philosophical topics.

In the 18th century, Ansley Eastwood was a British naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. He was born in 1745 and played a significant role in several battles against the American colonists, including the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.

Moving into the 19th century, Ansley Wilcox was an American lawyer and politician from Connecticut. Born in 1810, he served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1849 to 1853.

Finally, one of the most prominent individuals with the name Ansley was Ansley Coale, an American architect and engineer who lived from 1894 to 1985. He is best known for his contributions to the design and construction of several iconic buildings in New York City, including the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.

While the name Ansley has maintained a relatively low usage throughout history, it has been carried by various individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions, each leaving their mark on their respective fields and eras.