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).
About 5 boys were named Hayward in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Prominent international relations scholar and professor
Silent film era actor
One of the Scottsboro Boys
