The name given to me 16 years ago is Ashlyn Marie. Ashlyn is the color of forest green, representing nature and the environment. The nickname, Ash, often associates with natural things like ash trees, fire ashes, and the emerald ash borer. 

Derived by Americans from the Irish name “Aisling” and means “dream” and “vision”. The name connects very closely to who I am. My passion for everything I do in life as a teenager now, all contribute to my dreams and visions that I have for my future.

Ashley was originally going to be my name after my parents looked over a book of baby names and decided on their favorite one. However, they started to realize that Ashley was already very common. After this, they instantly fell in love with the name they saw as they flipped to the next page in the book, Ashlyn.

Ashlyn isn’t a very long name, I still have been given one particular nickname that has stuck with me for almost my entire life now. This nickname is “Ash”. In the sport of softball, when it comes to cheering, the shorter the name is, the easier it is to scream from the benches. My teammates gave me the nickname Ash and it has stuck ever since. It has extended from my teammates to most of my friends, as well as my father.

The uniqueness of Ashlyn has its benefits. Its uncommonness makes it rare to get confused with other people around. It is often complimented as well on its beauty because many people have not heard of it. The name’s deeper meanings and quirkiness are what make it so special and I’m glad to be given the name that I was.