Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Hadley
GirlEnglish, Old English· “heather clearing”
- Meaning
- heather clearing
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- HAD-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #121
- US babies 2025
- 2,254
- Best rank
- #100 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Hadley
Hadley is an English and Old English name that means “heather clearing”.
Hadley comes from an English surname taken from place names, built from the Old English haeth, "heath" or "heather," and leah, "woodland clearing" or "meadow." Places called Hadley exist in England and in several parts of the United States. The name gained literary association through Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway. As a given name, Hadley has become increasingly popular for girls in the United States. It sounds fresh and outdoorsy, fitting in with names like Harper and Hazel. Hads and Laney are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Hadley first appears in US Social Security records in 1964. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 27 different years, starting in 1998. Its best national rank was #100 in 2014, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,015 babies. In 2025, 2,254 babies were named Hadley, and it ranked #121 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,022 in 1980, #921 in 2000, #217 in 2010, and #121 in 2025. Of the 46,595 US girls named Hadley since records began, 55% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 14,395 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include London, Adalyn, Lydia, Londyn, and Arabella.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Hadley ranked highest in Montana, Maine, and North Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #19 | 25 |
| Maine | #40 | 19 |
| North Dakota | #42 | 16 |
| Kansas | #51 | 45 |
| Kentucky | #53 | 63 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Hadley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Hadley is usually pronounced HAD-lee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with H and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Hadley
A few middle names that flow with Hadley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Hadley
Similar names
Hailey Girl
HAY-lee
“hay clearing” · English
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SIHD-nee
“from an English surname and place name” · Old English
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MAHR-lee
“pleasant wood or clearing” · English
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“priest's clearing” · English
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“hay clearing” · English
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“hare meadow” · Old English
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“oak clearing” · English
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Kelsey Girl
KEHL-see
“from an English place name; ship island” · English
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Honey Girl
HUH-nee
“honey; a term of endearment” · English
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Riley Unisex
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“rye clearing” · English
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Audrey Girl
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“noble strength” · English
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Ashley Girl
ASH-lee
“ash tree clearing” · English
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Lists that include Hadley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Hadley mean?
Hadley is an English and Old English name that means “heather clearing”.
What is the origin of the name Hadley?
Hadley has English and Old English roots. Hadley comes from an English surname taken from place names, built from the Old English haeth, "heath" or "heather," and leah, "woodland clearing" or "meadow." Places called Hadley exist in England and in several parts of the United States.
Is Hadley a popular name?
Yes. Hadley ranked #121 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Hadley a boy or girl name?
Hadley is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Hadley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Hadley?
Hadley is usually pronounced HAD-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings