Hayes

Hedged area — a boy name of English origin

GenderBoy
OriginEnglish
MeaningHedged area
PronunciationHAYZ

Popularity of Hayes in the United States

#162Rank in 2025
2,240Births in 2025
#160 in 2024Peak Popularity
↑ Rising10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Hayes

Hayes is an English and Irish surname derived from the Old English "heg" meaning "hedge" or "enclosure," originally denoting someone who lived near a hedged area. In Ireland, it is an anglicization of the Gaelic "O hAodha," meaning "descendant of Aodh" (fire). The name carries presidential associations through Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States. As a first name, Hayes has been rising in popularity since the 2010s, fitting the trend of sophisticated, surname-style given names. Its crisp, single-syllable sound gives it an air of polished simplicity.

Hayes Around the World

Hayes is used in 2 languages worldwide.

Languages
EnglishIrish
Details

TypeMale given name

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Hayes

Hay

Famous People Named Hayes

  • Rutherford B. Hayes — 19th President of the United States
  • Hayes Carll — American singer-songwriter
  • Isaac Hayes — American soul musician and actor

Similar Names to Hayes

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Sibling Name Ideas for Hayes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Hayes mean?

Hayes is a boy name of English origin meaning "Hedged area." Hayes is an English and Irish surname derived from the Old English "heg" meaning "hedge" or "enclosure," originally denoting someone who lived near a hedged area. In Ireland, it is an anglicization of the Gaelic "O hAodha," meaning "descendant of Aodh" (fire).

How do you pronounce Hayes?

Hayes is pronounced HAYZ. Common variations include Hays, Hayse.

Is Hayes a boy name?

Yes, Hayes is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Hay.

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