Hadley

unisexOld English

Hadley is an unisex name of Old English origin, meaning “Heather meadow”.

MeaningHeather meadow
GenderUnisex
OriginOld English
PronunciationHAD-lee
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Canada

Meaning and origin of Hadley

Hadley is an English surname taken from place names in Hertfordshire, Suffolk and elsewhere. It comes from Old English haeth, heath or heather, and leah, a clearing or meadow, so it means a heathery clearing. Like many place-name surnames it moved into use as a first name, first for boys and in recent years mostly for girls in the United States. Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway's first wife, is a known bearer.

Is Hadley a religious name?

Hadley has no religious background; it is an English place-name and surname.

How popular is Hadley?

Fairly popular for girls in the United States in recent years; less common elsewhere.

Gifts with the name Hadley

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Spellings and variants of Hadley

HadleeHadleigh

Names similar to Hadley

More unisex names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Hadley mean?

Hadley means 'Heather meadow'. It is of Old English origin.

Does Hadley have a religious meaning?

Hadley has no religious background; it is an English place-name and surname.

How do you pronounce Hadley?

Hadley is pronounced HAD-lee.

Is Hadley a boy or girl name?

Hadley is used for both boys and girls.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.