Haley / Hayley: Name Origin, Meaning, Popularity & Notable Bearers

Haley (also Hayley) is an English given name and surname of Old English origin, from heg ("hay") + leah ("clearing, meadow"), meaning "hay clearing." Originally a place name, it became a surname then a unisex given name.

Though historically used for both sexes, it is now predominantly female. Popularity in the U.S. surged from rank 113 (1990) to rank 11 (2021) for girls (SSA data). Notable bearers include actors Haley Joel Osment, Haley Pullos; singer Haley Reinhart; and Olympic swimmer Haley Scott DeMaria.