The name Hayleigh is a variant spelling of the English name Hayley, which is a modern feminine form of the male name Hayley or Hailey. The name Hayley itself is thought to have originated as an English surname derived from the Old English word "hæg" or "hæge," meaning "hay" or "hedged field."

The earliest known use of the name Hayleigh can be traced back to the late 20th century, when it emerged as a unique and creative spelling variation of the more common name Hayley. The name gained popularity in the United States and other English-speaking countries during this time.

While the name Hayleigh does not have a long historical lineage or documented usage in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it shares a similar origin and meaning with the name Hayley, which has been in use for several centuries as both a surname and a given name.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Hayley as a given name was Hayley Westenra, a New Zealand singer born in 1987. Other notable individuals named Hayleigh or Hayley throughout history include Hayley Mills (born 1946), an English actress known for her roles in classic films like "Pollyanna" and "The Parent Trap," and Hayley Atwell (born 1982), a British-American actress best known for portraying Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In literature, the name Hayley appears in the works of English poet William Wordsworth, who wrote a poem titled "Hayley's Life" in honor of his friend and fellow poet William Hayley (1745-1820). The name Hayleigh, however, does not seem to have been used by any significant historical figures or referenced in notable literary works due to its relatively recent emergence as a variant spelling.