The name Ashanti originates from the Akan people of present-day Ghana and Ivory Coast in West Africa. It is derived from the Ashanti Empire, a prominent pre-colonial kingdom that existed in the region from the late 17th century until the early 20th century.

The name Ashanti is believed to be a variation of the word "Asante," which means "because of war" or "from war" in the Akan language. This likely refers to the Ashanti Empire's military prowess and their battles to establish control over the area.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Ashanti can be found in the writings of European explorers and traders who visited the region during the 17th and 18th centuries. These accounts describe the Ashanti Empire and its people, often referring to them as the "Ashantee" or "Ashantis."

In the 19th century, the name Ashanti gained wider recognition due to the Ashanti-British War of 1823-1831, in which the Ashanti Empire fought against the British Empire's attempts to expand its influence in the region. This conflict brought the Ashanti people and their name to the attention of a broader audience.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ashanti. One of the earliest recorded examples is Osei Tutu (c. 1660-1717), the founder and first ruler of the Ashanti Empire. Another prominent figure was Nana Yaa Asantewaa (c. 1840-1923), a queen mother who led the Ashanti rebellion against British colonizers in the late 19th century.

In the realm of entertainment, Ashanti Douglas (born 1980) is a Grammy Award-winning American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the early 2000s. Additionally, Ashanti Bromfield (born 1984) is a British actress known for her roles in television series such as EastEnders and Desmond's.

In the world of sports, Ashanti Ellison (born 1996) is an American professional basketball player who currently plays in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). There is also Ashanti Fortson (born 1997), an American sprinter who competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.