Haley

Haley is an English given name derived from the surname Haley or Hailey, which itself comes from a place name meaning hay clearing or hay meadow in Old English, from hæg meaning hay and leah meaning woodland clearing. It rose to widespread use as a feminine given name in the United States during the late twentieth century, partly influenced by the popularity of similar-sounding names. The spelling Hailey is the most common variant, while Hayley, famously borne by British actress Hayley Mills, helped introduce the name to broader English-speaking audiences. Halley and Hailee are among the many additional spellings in modern use.