Hadley is a gender-neutral name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "hade", which means "heather". Heather is a type of flowering plant that grows abundantly on moorlands and heaths, particularly in Scotland.
The name Hadley first came into use as a given name during the mid-20th century, but it was not until the late 1980s and early 1990s that it began to appear regularly in baby name lists. Today, Hadley is considered a unique yet accessible choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a touch of vintage charm.
One notable bearer of the name Hadley is American actress Hadley Field, who was born in 1986 and is known for her roles in films such as "The Last Airbender" and "Gossip Girl". Additionally, Hadley is also used as a surname, with famous bearers including English actor Tom Hadley and American politician Arthur Hadley.
Overall, the name Hadley offers parents an appealing option that combines a touch of vintage charm with modern-day relevance. With its meaningful origins and growing popularity, it's no surprise that many families are choosing this attractive name for their children.
The name Hadley has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 2063 babies being named Hadley from 1906 to 2023.
In the early 20th century, the number of births with the name Hadley fluctuated between 5 and 20 per year. The decade starting from 1927 saw a significant increase in popularity, with birth numbers peaking at 25 in 1927.
However, this trend did not continue throughout the following decades. After World War II, the number of babies named Hadley began to decline steadily, reaching single digits between 1948 and 1954. This pattern persisted until the late 1970s when the name started to regain some traction.
In the latter part of the 20th century, there was a notable rise in popularity for the name Hadley. The number of births increased from 14 in 1979 to 34 in 2000, with peaks reaching as high as 52 births recorded in 2004.
The trend continued into the early 21st century, with over 40 babies named Hadley each year between 2006 and 2012. However, since then, there has been a gradual decline, with only 31 births recorded in 2020 and 25 in 2021.
Despite the fluctuations in popularity over time, it is evident that the name Hadley has maintained a consistent presence in the United States for over a century.