Haley Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Haley come from? What does the surname Haley mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Haley and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Haley Origin: What does the last name Haley mean?
The surname Haley is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "heg" meaning "hay" and "leah" meaning "clearing or meadow." It first appeared in records from England in the early 16th century, with notable growth in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in the United States. By the 20th century, the Haley surname had become prominent in the United States.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Haley surname in the United Kingdom since the early 10th century, with a steady expansion in countries like France. The surname has spread extensively worldwide, with records showing its presence in various countries such as India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, France, and Nigeria. The enduring surname Haley reflects a rich heritage and continues to be prevalent in different regions and cultures in the modern era.
Haley Last Name History: Where did the last name Haley come from?
Origin of Haley Surname: Where does the last name Haley originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Haley first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Haley spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Haley: What does the Haley surname history look like in the early days?
The Haley surname started growing notably in the 17th and 18th centuries, with significant frequencies recorded in the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Haley surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Haley surname grew significantly in the United States. The Haley surname remains prominent in the United States.
Explore Haley last name heritage and Haley surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Haley Surame?
Nikki Haley
Nimarata Nikki Randhawa Haley (January 20, 1972) is an American politician and diplomat. She served as the 116th governor of South Carolina and the 29th U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Haley made history as the first Indian American to serve in a presidential cabinet. Known for her advocacy for Israel and strong defense of the Trump administration's policies, she ran for President in 2024. Haley's early career involved working in her family's clothing business before entering politics. She has been a prominent figure in the Republican Party, making waves as a female governor and U.N. ambassador.
Jackie Earle Haley
Jack Earle Haley (born Jul 14, 1961) is an American actor and director known for his roles in popular franchises such as Watchmen, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Alita: Battle Angel. He started his career as a child actor in the 1970s, starring in films like The Bad News Bears and Breaking Away. After a hiatus, he returned to acting with critically acclaimed performances in All the King's Men and Little Children, earning an Academy Award nomination. Haley has continued to impress audiences with his versatile roles in both film and television, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft.
Jack Haley
John Joseph Haley Jr. (August 10, 1898 – June 6, 1979) was an American actor, comedian, and dancer known for his iconic role as the Tin Man in the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz." He also had a successful career in vaudeville, radio hosting, and musical comedies. Despite his friendly on-screen persona, Haley once revealed that filming "The Wizard of Oz" was challenging work, not the fun experience fans might have assumed. Raised Roman Catholic, Haley left a legacy in Hollywood that continues to be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.
Alex Haley
Alexander Murray Palmer Haley (August 11, 1921 – February 10, 1992) was an American writer known for his groundbreaking book "Roots: The Saga of an American Family," which inspired a record-breaking TV miniseries. His works shed light on black American history, genealogy, and family stories. Haley's career spanned journalism, with notable interviews for Reader's Digest and Playboy magazine. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II and later became the first chief journalist in the Coast Guard. Haley's legacy continues through the USCGC Alex Haley cutter and his impactful literary contributions.
Bill Haley
William John Clifton Haley (July 6, 1925 – February 9, 1981) was an American rock and roll pioneer known for popularizing the genre in the early 1950s. With his band Bill Haley & His Comets, he had hits like "Rock Around the Clock" and "Shake, Rattle and Roll", selling over 60 million records worldwide. Haley's unique style and energetic performances cemented his legacy in music history. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, he remains a significant figure in the development of rock and roll.
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