Hayes Surname: Origin and Coat of Arms

What does Hayes mean, and where does it come from? Here is a brief introduction.

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Origin of the Hayes name

Hayes in Ireland often anglicises Ó hAodha, "descendant of Aodh", a personal name meaning "fire". Several unrelated O'Hayes septs arose, notably in Cork, Donegal and Mayo. In England Hayes can also be habitational from places named Hayes, "enclosure". The Irish form is especially common in Munster.

Our historical archives hold much more on the Hayes name: dates, names and records of early bearers.

This overview covers the Hayes name in Ireland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, England and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.

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Hayes name FAQ

What does the Hayes name mean?

Descendant of Aodh, "fire". Common variants include O'Hayes, Haye, Heyes.

Where does the Hayes surname come from?

It originates in Ireland, and is also found in the United States, England and Australia.

Is there a Hayes coat of arms?

Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Hayes crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Hayes coat of arms based on historic heraldry.

Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames.