Hayes

boyOld English; also Irish

Hayes is an boy name of Old English; also Irish origin, meaning “Enclosed land, hedged area”.

MeaningEnclosed land, hedged area
GenderBoy
OriginOld English; also Irish
PronunciationHAYZ
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Ireland, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Hayes

Hayes is an English surname from Old English hæg, an enclosure or hedged piece of land, found in place names such as Hayes in Middlesex. In Ireland it also anglicises Ó hAodha, 'descendant of Aodh', a name meaning fire. Rutherford B. Hayes, the nineteenth US president, made it known in America, where it is now a fashionable first name.

Is Hayes a religious name?

Hayes has no religious background; it is a surname of English and Irish origin.

How popular is Hayes?

Increasingly used as a first name in the United States.

Gifts with the name Hayes

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Spellings and variants of Hayes

HaysHaye

Names similar to Hayes

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Hayes mean?

Hayes means 'Enclosed land, hedged area'. It is of Old English; also Irish origin.

Does Hayes have a religious meaning?

Hayes has no religious background; it is a surname of English and Irish origin.

How do you pronounce Hayes?

Hayes is pronounced HAYZ.

Is Hayes a boy or girl name?

Hayes is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.