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      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Hayward

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      From the hedge enclosure

      Variations

      Aylward, Maynard, Bayard
      The name Hayward has its roots in medieval England, specifically deriving from the Old English word hegaege or hege meaning hedge, and weard meaning guardian or keeper. Combining these elements, Hayward signifies someone who is tasked with looking after a hedge enclosure, or the person in charge of maintaining boundary hedges.

      The name Hayward has a long-standing history in England, with records dating back to the 12th century. During medieval times, hedgerows played an essential role in delineating property boundaries and protecting livestock from straying. Those responsible for tending to these enclosures were commonly referred to as Haywards. Hence, individuals who were entrusted with this responsibility as part of their occupation often adopted the name Hayward.

      In modern times, the name Hayward has become a relatively common English name. Many bearers of this name have Scottish, Irish, or English ancestry, highlighting its prevalence in these regions. Despite its historical roots in agriculture, the name Hayward is now associated more broadly with individuals who have diverse professions and occupations. Today, Haywards can be found in various professions, including law, finance, business, arts, and beyond, as the name has evolved to reflect the changing societal landscape. The name Hayward continues to carry a sense of guardianship, symbolizing the responsibility, protection, and care bestowed upon by those who bear it.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Hayward.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Hayward.
      Hayward

      Hayward

      This is the most common name for a child of a Hayward.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

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      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1913 is when there were the most people born with the first name Hayward.

      Explore the origins of another name.