Hedged area or enclosure
Derived from an English surname, it originally referred to someone who lived near a hedged enclosure or a forest clearing. It shares roots with the word 'hedge' and was historically used to denote a boundary or protected land. As a given name, it represents a transition from a traditional surname to a modern, brisk choice for boys.
About 17 boys were named Hays in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Olympic gold medalist figure skater
Early American settler and namesake of Hays County, Texas
