Summary

Surname HAYS is of English origin and is derived from a medieval form of the name 'HAIGH'. It is a habitational name for someone who lived near a hedge or enclosure, derived from the Middle English word 'hay(e)'.
There are
34191
Hayss in the USA
Hays is the
1021st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Hays

HelenHayes

Helen Hayes was an American actress known as the 'First Lady of American Theater.' She had a career that spanned nearly 80 years and won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards.

JohnnyHays

Johnny Hays was an American football player who played as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1950s and 1960s.

WillHays

Will Hays was an American political figure and lawyer who served as the chairman of the Republican National Committee and later as the United States Postmaster General.

LauraHays

Laura Hays was an American journalist and editor who worked for The Kansas City Star for more than 50 years. She was known for her investigative journalism and advocacy for social issues.

HarryHays

Harry Hays was a Canadian politician who served as a Member of Parliament and later as a Senator. He was known for his contributions to the Liberal Party of Canada.

NinaHays

Nina Hays was an American athlete who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics as a swimmer. She won a bronze medal in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay.

TomHays

Tom Hays was an American lawyer and politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Arkansas. He was known for his work on civil rights issues.

MargaretHays

Margaret Hays was an American suffragist and women's rights activist. She played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century.

RobertHays

Robert Hays is an American actor known for his role as Ted Striker in the movie 'Airplane!' He has appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career.

GraceHays

Grace Hays was a British painter known for her landscape and still-life paintings. She was a member of the Royal Academy of Arts and exhibited her work internationally.

Hays Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Hays' is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word 'hagi,' which means 'enclosed pasture' or 'fenced area.' The name was likely originally used to describe someone who lived near or worked in a place with enclosed pastureland.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Hays' is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Fife. It is also present in other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Hays' include 'Hayes' and 'Haynes.' These variations may be the result of different spellings and pronunciations of the name over time.
Migration and ImmigrationMany people with the surname 'Hays' have migrated or immigrated to various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Some migrations may have been prompted by economic opportunities or political factors.