Hayes is an English surname with origins in several places in England, such as Hayes in Kent and Middlesex, and Heyes in Lancashire and Cheshire. The name is derived from Old English hæg, meaning "enclosure, fence," referring to a hedged or fenced area. It was toponymic, given to those who lived near such a feature.Notable BearersA famous bearer is Rutherford B. Hayes (1822–1893), the 19th president of the United States. His surname comes from English ancestry, and his presidency is marked by the end of Reconstruction. Another notable bearer is Helen Hayes (1900–1993), an acclaimed American actress known as the "First Lady of the Theatre."Variants and UsageHayes is primarily English in origin and has related given names such as Hayes and Haze, which may be modern inventions or nicknames derived from the surname. The name is common in English-speaking countries, especially the United States and the United Kingdom.Meaning: enclosureOrigin: EnglishType: SurnameUsage: English