From a surname which was originally derived from the name of an English town (meaning "hay clearing" from Old English heg "hay" and leah "clearing"). It was popularized by the British child actress Hayley Mills (1946-), though the name did not become common until over a decade after she first became famous. Hayley originates in Old English language and means "meadow of hay". It was derived from an old English surname and as a surname it functions until today. Some sources also suggest its origin in Old Norse language and the meaning "heroine". It was popularized by the English actress and singer Hayley Mills.
