Hayes
Hayes is a boy name of English origin meaning “Hedged area”, pronounced HAYZ. It ranked #162 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,240 babies, and peaked at #160 in 2024. Common nicknames: Hay.
How popular is Hayes in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Hayes mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Hayes used around the world?
Hayes is used in 2 languages worldwide.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Hayes?
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.