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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Hailey or Hayley?

61 replies

Whichname112233 · 07/01/2026 13:51

Me and DH like this name but both prefer different spellings

To me Hailey looks prettier but is more common as a US spelling

DH prefers the more commonly used in UK spelling of Hayley

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lavendarwillow · 08/01/2026 22:27

Hayley in the UK. I agree with other posters that it’s quite dated very 80s along with Amy, Leanne, Michelle, Stephanie….

SpringIsComingSoonFolks · 08/01/2026 22:16

It’s a bit like calling someone Rainy or Snowy. Just why?

LilyLemonade · 08/01/2026 21:51

I prefer Hayley. It makes me think of someone young and carefree on a bright summer's day. I think it's a lovely name.

HellerHighWater · 08/01/2026 17:38

Hailey just looks wrong to me, whilst Hayley looks softer, more like a feminine name. Probably doesn't make sense really, but that's my opinion!

user1492757084 · 08/01/2026 10:35

Hayley

mathanxiety · 08/01/2026 02:15

OP, I much prefer Hayley. I love the two Ys.

Bailey is fine with the I spelling. I think Hayley needs the Y.

mathanxiety · 08/01/2026 02:13

saltandvinegarchipsticks · 07/01/2026 20:54

“Probably” of course there were, do you think Mr and Mrs Button invented it?
I am old enough to be his mum and I went to school with two Jensons.
but you seem to be suggesting that these people (Jenson Button, Hayley Mills, Hailey Bieber) are the origin of the names, which is plainly daft.

Show quote history

The phrase that was used wrt Hayley Mills and Hailey Bieber was 'inspired by', not 'invented'. There's a difference.

Giraffehaver · 07/01/2026 23:50

I have Hayley on my shortlist. It's such a happy sunny name

Pettenell · 07/01/2026 23:01

I much prefer Hayley. Hayley is the usual spelling in the UK, Hailey in the US.

Moreteaandchocolate · 07/01/2026 22:01

Hayley is the more familiar spelling, so I’d use that for an easier life!

MovedlikeHarlowinMonteCarlo · 07/01/2026 21:23

worstnotholiday · 07/01/2026 17:52

I wonder if region makes a difference - because to me Hailey= stripper and Hayley=doctor

Hayley is more classy. Tasteful (though I agree a bit dated)

Yes I agree with this.

SwedishEdith · 07/01/2026 21:11

Sounds very dated to me - women in their 30s and 40s. It's Kayleigh and Leanne vintage. Hayley would be the spelling most people recognise but I wouldn't want to be called that.

HugoYorway · 07/01/2026 21:03

@saltandvinegarchipsticks , I'm not suggesting they're the origin of the names. I'm suggesting that they are probably why the names became so popular.

Your post suggests a lack of comprehension and your accusation is daft.

saltandvinegarchipsticks · 07/01/2026 20:54

HugoYorway · 07/01/2026 18:01

@saltandvinegarchipsticks, It's not a joke. There were probably boys/men called Jenson but the name wasn't popular as a first name.
Jenson popularity Jenson Button - Wikipedia

“Probably” of course there were, do you think Mr and Mrs Button invented it?
I am old enough to be his mum and I went to school with two Jensons.
but you seem to be suggesting that these people (Jenson Button, Hayley Mills, Hailey Bieber) are the origin of the names, which is plainly daft.

peachskies · 07/01/2026 20:39

I like Hayley or Haley

ramonaquimby · 07/01/2026 20:34

or Haley?

justaddittothelist · 07/01/2026 20:31

I prefer Hailey.

And btw to the other poster, Eilidh is definitely not pronounced Ally!!

Thepossibility · 07/01/2026 18:20

noidea69 · 07/01/2026 13:56

Hailey - Doctor
Hayley - Stripper

I agree with this

HugoYorway · 07/01/2026 18:01

@saltandvinegarchipsticks, It's not a joke. There were probably boys/men called Jenson but the name wasn't popular as a first name.
Jenson popularity Jenson Button - Wikipedia

RuthW · 07/01/2026 18:01

Hayley.

Hailey is just messing with a spelling.

youalright · 07/01/2026 17:59

I think Hailey looks nicer

worstnotholiday · 07/01/2026 17:52

I wonder if region makes a difference - because to me Hailey= stripper and Hayley=doctor

Hayley is more classy. Tasteful (though I agree a bit dated)

Topseyt123 · 07/01/2026 17:51

I prefer Hayley.

Snowyowl99 · 07/01/2026 17:42

Hayley is more professional, more classy. Hailey chavvy

saltandvinegarchipsticks · 07/01/2026 17:40

HugoYorway · 07/01/2026 16:20

Can't be arsed. Your argument is like saying Jenson wasn't inspired by Jenson Button.

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This has to be a joke but not a very good one…

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