Heyward is a unique and distinctive given name, derived from Old English origins. It is believed to have been an occupational surname, originally meaning 'hay warden', referring to someone who was in charge of the hay production on a lord's estate. The name Heyward has been used as both a first name and a surname throughout history. It gained notable recognition through characters like Heyward Burfoot, an American runner known for his achievements in long-distance races, and Heyward Donigan, an American businessman and philanthropist. While not extensively popular today, Heyward remains an uncommon and intriguing choice for a given name.
The name Heyward experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak in 1916-1928, followed by a steady decline until the late 1970s. There was a brief resurgence in the early 1980s, but overall, it has become quite uncommon since then.