The given name Ashby has its roots in Old English, originating from the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain between the 5th and 11th centuries. Derived from the Old English words "æsc" meaning ash tree and "by" meaning a farmstead or village, the name likely referred to someone who lived near an ash tree or in an area known for its abundance of ash trees.

One of the earliest known references to the name Ashby can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landholdings and properties commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions several places with variations of the name, such as Ashby Parva and Ashby Magna, indicating the presence of settlements named after ash trees or ash groves.

In the 12th century, a notable figure named Ashby (first name unknown) is recorded as a landowner in Northamptonshire, England. This provides evidence of the name's use as a personal identifier during the medieval period.

Throughout history, several individuals with the first name Ashby have left their mark. One such person was Ashby Leach (1595-1671), an English Puritan clergyman and author who served as the chaplain to Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War.

Another notable bearer of the name was Ashby St. Leger (1629-1718), an English soldier and Member of Parliament who fought in the Nine Years' War and the War of the Spanish Succession.

In the realm of literature, Ashby Sterry (1610-1677) was an English Puritan minister and author who wrote several theological works, including "The Rise, Race, and Royalty of the Kingdom of God in the Soul of Man."

Moving into the 19th century, Ashby Ruggles (1805-1883) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts.

More recently, Ashby Jones (1914-1992) was an American artist and painter known for his abstract expressionist works, which are part of the collections of several prestigious museums.

These examples showcase the historical presence and diverse backgrounds of individuals who have carried the given name Ashby, reflecting its rich heritage and enduring legacy across various fields and eras.