The name Hayes is an English given name derived from the Old English word "hæs," meaning "hay" or "grass." It likely originated as a surname for someone who lived near a hayfield or worked with hay. The name first appeared in historical records during the Middle Ages in England.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hayes dates back to the 13th century when a man named William Hayes was mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of Norfolk, England, in 1273. This document was a survey of landowners and their tenants, indicating that the name was already in use at that time.

In the 14th century, a notable figure named Sir John Hayes was a soldier and member of the English Parliament. He served as a knight during the Hundred Years' War and was involved in the capture of the French town of Fronsac in 1370.

During the Renaissance period, the name Hayes gained more prominence. In the 16th century, a composer and musician named William Hayes (c. 1525-1595) was known for his contributions to English church music and madrigals.

One of the most famous individuals with the name Hayes was Rutherford B. Hayes (1822-1893), the 19th President of the United States. He served as President from 1877 to 1881 and is remembered for his efforts to reconcile the North and South after the American Civil War.

Another notable figure was Sir Edmund Dummer Hayes (1803-1869), a British naval officer and explorer who played a significant role in the exploration of the Arctic regions in the mid-19th century. He participated in several expeditions to search for the missing British explorer Sir John Franklin.

In literature, the name Hayes is associated with the American novelist and short story writer Alice Hayes (1857-1939), known for her works depicting life in the American South during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

While the name Hayes has its origins in England, it has since spread to other parts of the world and has been adopted by various cultures and communities over the centuries.