Hayward is a surname of English origin, derived from Old English words "haeg" meaning enclosure or hedge, and "weard" meaning guardian or keeper. Therefore, the name Hayward can be translated as "enclosure keeper" or "hedge guardian".
The surname Hayward has been traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period in England, where it was likely given to someone who held a position of responsibility over an enclosure or hedge. Over time, the name has become associated with various families and locations across England.
Today, Hayward is more commonly used as a given name than a surname. It gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, possibly due to its association with the American actor Robert Hayward, who was active during that time under the stage name Robert Young.
In literature and pop culture, Hayward has been used as a character name in various works. For example, it is the surname of one of the main characters in the 2005 film "Jarhead," played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Additionally, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Hayward throughout history, such as American basketball player Rick Hayward and British novelist Henry Fielding Hayward.
Overall, while Hayward is a name with an interesting historical background and meaning, it has also become associated with various figures in popular culture and may hold different significance for people depending on their personal experiences and familiarity with these individuals.
The name Hayward experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, there were periods of moderate to high popularity, with peaks in the early 1900s reaching as high as 84 births in a single year (1917). However, by the mid-20th century, its popularity began to decline steadily. From the 1960s onwards, the number of annual births with the name Hayward fell significantly, dropping below 50 in 1963 and remaining relatively low throughout the latter half of the century. In recent years, it has remained quite uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year since 2000.