Find out how popular the first name Hayward has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hayward by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Hayward is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Hayward.

The history of the first name Hayward

The name Hayward is of Old English origin, derived from the words "haye" meaning "hedge" and "ward" meaning "keeper" or "guard." It was initially a surname given to individuals who held the occupation of a hedge-keeper or someone responsible for maintaining and guarding hedges or enclosures.

In medieval times, the role of a hayward was essential in rural communities, as hedges played a crucial role in defining boundaries, protecting crops, and controlling the movement of livestock. The hayward was responsible for ensuring that hedges were properly maintained and enforcing rules related to their use and preservation.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hayward can be found in the Domesday Book, a great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears in various spellings, such as "Haiwrde" and "Heyward," indicating its widespread use as a surname during that period.

While the name Hayward was primarily used as a surname, it eventually transitioned into a given name as well. One of the earliest recorded individuals with the given name Hayward was Hayward Townshend (1627-1668), an English politician and military officer who served as a Member of Parliament during the English Civil War.

Another notable figure with the name Hayward was Hayward Morse (1775-1828), an American farmer and politician who served as a United States Representative from Massachusetts. He was born in Woodstock, Connecticut, and played a significant role in the early political landscape of the United States.

In the literary realm, Hayward Keniston (1897-1975) was an American author and educator known for his contributions to the field of American literature and culture. He taught at various prestigious universities, including Yale and the University of Michigan, and wrote several influential works on American literary criticism.

Hayward Cirker (1924-2011) was a prominent American business executive and philanthropist. He co-founded the Dover Corporation, a global manufacturer of industrial products, and served as its CEO for over three decades. Cirker was also actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors, supporting education and healthcare initiatives.

Lastly, Hayward Nishioka (1923-2009) was a Japanese-American artist and educator who made significant contributions to the field of ceramics and art education. He served as a professor at various institutions, including the University of Hawaii and the University of California, Berkeley, and his works are featured in numerous museum collections worldwide.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the given name Hayward throughout history, showcasing its longevity and cultural significance across diverse fields and backgrounds.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Hayward was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Hayward, please contact us.

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