Hawley is an unusual yet distinctive given name of English origin, derived from Old English elements 'hæw' meaning hedge or thicket and 'lēah' signifying clearing or wood. This name was primarily used as a surname in medieval England, but it has evolved into a first name over time. Hawley is not among the top 1000 most popular names in recent years, making it quite rare and unique today. Individuals named Hawley are often associated with their historical namesake, Sir Edward Hawley (c.1579-1624), an English explorer who played a significant role in the early colonization of Virginia.
"The name Hawley saw its peak popularity in the early 20th century, with a notable spike of 13 births recorded in 1918. However, it appears that this name has become less common over time, as there were only five births each recorded in 1957, 1959, and 1979."