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 had a significant increase in popularity from the late 1990s to around 2005, with peaks reaching over 40 births per year. However, it has since seen fluctuations and declines, currently standing at approximately 30 births annually as of 2023.