Hayes
- Meaning
- Hedged enclosure; other surname origins vary
- Pronunciation
- HAYZ
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What does Hayes mean?
Hayes means “Hedged enclosure; other surname origins vary”.
Hayes can come from an English surname associated with a hedged or enclosed area of land. It can also represent an Irish surname derived from Ó hAodha, referring to a descendant of Aodh. These are separate family-name routes, so the English landscape meaning is not a translation of every Hayes surname.
The name has one syllable, with a final z sound, and Hays is a related spelling. Its surname history gives it a different background from similar-sounding first names such as Hazel or Hayden. Parents may choose Hayes for a family connection or for the compact sound itself. If it is being used to honor a relative, that particular family history is the most useful place to begin.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Variations & related forms
Related forms and spellings recorded for this name.
How popular is Hayes?
United States · 2025Explore how often Hayes is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US boys rank
- #162 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Boys named Hayes
- 2,240 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 0.7% Fewer than 2024
Hayes over time
United States · Boys
Recorded births
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Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights boys, the most common recorded usage in 2025. Use the chart’s usage selector to explore both categories.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Boys | #162 | 2,240 |
| 2025 | Girls | #2,143 | 87 |
| 2024 | Boys | #160 | 2,255 |
| 2024 | Girls | #2,517 | 71 |
| 2023 | Boys | #209 | 1,755 |
| 2023 | Girls | #2,321 | 79 |
| 2022 | Boys | #212 | 1,775 |
| 2022 | Girls | #2,181 | 87 |
| 2021 | Boys | #229 | 1,606 |
| 2021 | Girls | #2,218 | 84 |
| 2020 | Boys | #245 | 1,451 |
| 2020 | Girls | #1,953 | 98 |
| 2019 | Boys | #296 | 1,165 |
| 2019 | Girls | #2,545 | 69 |
| 2018 | Boys | #343 | 973 |
| 2018 | Girls | #2,489 | 71 |
| 2017 | Boys | #408 | 766 |
| 2017 | Girls | #2,615 | 67 |
| 2016 | Boys | #432 | 717 |
| 2016 | Girls | #5,352 | 25 |
| 2015 | Boys | #539 | 531 |
| 2015 | Girls | #5,191 | 26 |
| 2014 | Boys | #546 | 504 |
| 2014 | Girls | #5,533 | 24 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Hayes
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Liam
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Resolute protection
Shares an origin with Hayes.
James
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Supplanter
Shares an origin with Hayes.
Jack
Mostly boys- Meaning
- God is gracious
Shares an origin with Hayes.
Hudson
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Hugh's son
Shares an origin with Hayes.
Julian
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Uncertain; proposed meanings include youthful or downy-bearded
Shares an origin with Hayes.
Cooper
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Barrel maker
Shares an origin with Hayes.
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