WeeNames Scotland’s favourite name finder

← All names

Hayley

Girl name · 3,584 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Hayley: 3,584 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 221 births in 1993.

The name Hayley has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements *hēg* (hay) and *lēah* (clearing or meadow), originally a surname for someone who lived near a hay meadow. It was brought into the mainstream as a first name largely through the charm of English actress Hayley Mills, whose starring role in the 1961 film *Pollyanna* made the name a household favourite. The name also shares its etymological origin with several

Girl 52 of 52 years

Peak year
1993221 babies
Latest (2025)
#17224 babies
Total births
3,584since 1974
5-year trend
▼ 6%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1993 · 221
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).