Hailey: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Hailey mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

English: Hay's meadow
Norse: Heroine
Irish: Wise one

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Hailey is pronounced HAY-lee

Hailey is of English origin and means "hay's meadow." It is also linked to Norse and Irish origins, meaning "heroine" or "wise." A gentle yet strong name, Hailey remains a timeless favorite for girls.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Hailey mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

English: Hay clearing or hay meadow

Gender: Male, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Hailey is pronounced HAY-lee

Hailey is of English origin and means "hay clearing" or "hay meadow." It is a gender-flexible name that gained popularity for its soft and nature-inspired meaning.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English: habitational name from places in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire named Hailey, from Old English hēg "hay" + lēeah "wood", "(woodland) clearing."

Hailey in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share the first name?

Hailey Dunphy from Modern Family - A fun-loving, somewhat shallow teenager who grows into a more independent and responsible young woman over the course of the series. Hailey is known for her humorous antics and relatable family dynamics.
Hailey Upton from Chicago P.D. - A tough, dedicated detective who works tirelessly to serve justice. Hailey’s character brings complexity and depth to the team as she balances her strong moral compass with the challenges of police work.
Hailey Nichol from The O.C. - A free-spirited and slightly rebellious character who stirs up drama in the lives of the other characters. Hailey is often remembered for her unapologetic attitude and dynamic presence on the show.

Popularity of the Name Hailey

According to Social Security Administration data, Hailey has been a consistently popular name in the U.S., peaking in the early 2000s when it frequently ranked in the top 50. It remains a favorite choice for parents, consistently appearing in the top 100 girl names over the past two decades.

Hailey is of Old English origin, meaning "hay clearing" or "hay meadow." The name gained momentum in the late 20th century and has since been embraced for its modern and youthful charm. Notable Haileys include model Hailey Baldwin Bieber and actress Hailee Steinfeld. The name continues to be a go-to for its timeless yet trendy appeal.