The name Hadleigh has its origins in Old English, tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain. It is a locational surname derived from the town of Hadleigh in Suffolk, England. The name is composed of two elements: "hæd," meaning "heath" or "heathland," and "lēah," meaning "woodland clearing" or "meadow."

In its earliest recorded forms, the name appeared as "Hædleia" in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a survey of land and property commissioned by William the Conqueror. This indicates that the name has been in use for at least a millennium, reflecting the settlement's location in a wooded area or heath.

The name Hadleigh has a strong connection to English history and literature. One notable figure was Gervase of Hadleigh, a 13th-century Franciscan friar and chronicler who wrote about the reign of King John and the Barons' War. Another historical figure was Sir John Hadley (1682-1744), an English mathematician and inventor who developed the octant, a navigational instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies.

In the realm of literature, Hadleigh is mentioned in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned 14th-century English poet. In his Canterbury Tales, one of the characters, the Reeve, is described as being from Hadleigh. This literary reference underscores the name's deep roots in English culture and society.

Other notable individuals who bore the name Hadleigh include:

1. Walter de Hadleigh (fl. 13th century), an English cleric and Royal Justice.
2. John Hadleigh (fl. 14th century), an English philosopher and theologian.
3. Robert Hadleigh (c. 1480-1550), an English Benedictine monk and scholar.
4. Thomas Hadleigh (1567-1624), an English poet and playwright during the Elizabethan era.
5. William Hadleigh (1793-1872), an English politician and Member of Parliament.

While the name Hadleigh has maintained a presence throughout history, it has never been among the most common given names in English-speaking regions. Nevertheless, its rich heritage and connections to influential figures from various fields contribute to its enduring appeal and significance within the realm of English nomenclature.