Haley is a name with English origins that has gained popularity as both a feminine and masculine name, though it’s more commonly used for girls in recent years.
Origin: English
Meaning: “Hay meadow” or “hero”
Popularity: Peaked in popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s but remains a well-known name
Inspiration: The name Haley gained significant attention after the publication of Alex Haley’s novel “Roots” and the subsequent TV miniseries. It’s also associated with Halley’s Comet, named after the astronomer Edmond Halley.
Haley’s popularity has been influenced by its pleasant sound and the trend towards using surnames as first names. Its unisex nature also appeals to parents looking for more gender-neutral options.