Hedged forest or guardian of the enclosure
Derived from Middle English, this name originally served as an occupational surname for an official who protected an enclosed forest or field from wandering cattle. It combines the elements 'hay' (enclosure or hedge) and 'ward' (guardian).
Less common today
Hayward isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #3,122 in 1991.
Prominent international relations scholar and professor
Silent film era actor
One of the Scottsboro Boys
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
