Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Hadley

The name Hadley is the transferred use of an Anglo-Saxon surname originating as a place name. The name is derived from the Olde English words “hǣd” meaning ‘heather’ and “lēah” meaning ‘clearing’ to denote the features of the particular landscape. The flowering heather plant originated in Scotland and according to Celtic legend, God asked the heather to cover the barren, open spaces of the Scottish highlands. In reward, God gave the heather a few gifts. For one, the strength of the oak tree (the bark of the heather is the strongest of any tree or shrub in the world). Next, he gave heather the fragrance of the honeysuckle (heather is used to perfume soaps and potpourri). Finally, God gave the heather the sweetness of the rose (heather is one of the bees favorite flowers). The ancient Celts believed the heather plant provided romance and attraction, as well as good luck and protection. Hadley could also be derived from the nickname “Hadda” meaning ‘hardy, strong’. This surname first appeared on the rolls of England in the 12th century. As a given name, Hadley developed mainly in the United States as a female name. It has been in use for less than 15 years.

All About the Baby Name – Hadley

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME HADLEY

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME HADLEY

The name Hadley made her debut on the U.S. popularity charts in 1998, probably influenced by the “Last Names First” American naming trend. Hadley was likely inspired by names such as Harper, Hayley and Harley, as well. Whatever the reason, Hadley has done surprisingly well on the charts since the turn of the 21st century. The name has advanced up the charts pretty significantly in the past 10 years, over 700 positions, in fact. Honestly, we don’t get what all the fuss is. Hadley is a cute name, for sure, but it lacks a certain pizzazz. Maybe we need to ask the good people of the states of Wyoming, Oklahoma, North Dakota and Kentucky where they rank this name on their Top 60 list of most commonly used girl names. They also like it in South Dakota, Utah, Nebraska and Montana where it’s a Top 80 favorite. We’re beginning to think that Hadley is a good pick for the little cowgirls out there. It must appeal to these states given the “ruggedness” of the name. You tell us.

Quick Facts

ON HADLEY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

111

PRONUNCIATION:

HAD-lee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Heather clearing

Characteristics

OF HADLEY

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Hadley

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME HADLEY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Hadley

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME HADLEY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Hadley


Popular Songs

ON HADLEY

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Hadley


Famous People

NAMED HADLEY

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Hadley.
We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Hadley.
We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Hadley.

Children of Famous People

NAMED HADLEY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Hadley

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME HADLEY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Hadley