Hayes, an Anglo-Saxon origin surname, is derived from the Old Norse word "Háðsól", which means "hazel bush". The name was originally a occupational surname for someone who lived where hazel trees grew abundantly. The name Hayes first appeared as a given name in the late 19th century and has since gained popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries. It is pronounced /heɪz/ and its variants include Hayze and Hai.
"Over two decades, the number of babies named Hayes steadily increased, reaching a peak of 98 births in 2020 and dropping slightly to 79 in 2023."