What Does the Name Hailey Mean?
Hailey combines the Old English words "heg" (hay) and "leah" (meadow or clearing), together meaning "hay meadow" — a farmstead surrounded by fields.
The Origin & History of Hailey
Like Kayley, Bailey, and Riley, Hailey began as an English surname tied to a specific piece of land before crossing over into use as a first name in the late 20th century.
Popularity & Modern Use
Hailey spiked sharply in the US through the 1990s and 2000s, part of a broader wave of surname-style girls' names ending in '-ley' or '-ly.'
Personality & Associations
Hailey tends to feel bright, breezy, and thoroughly modern, with an easy, friendly sound.
Famous People Named Hailey
Model Hailey Bieber (née Baldwin) is the name's most recognized modern bearer. Actress Hailee Steinfeld carries a common alternate spelling.
Nicknames & Variations
Haley, Hayley, and Haylee are all widely used alternate spellings, making Hailey one of the most variably spelled names in current use.