The surname Hayward is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "gehaeg" (walled or fenced area) and "wude" (forest or wooded area). Initially, the name referred to individuals responsible for protecting and managing communal lands, including cattle and crops. Over time, the name evolved to include various spellings such as Hayward, Haywood, Heyward, and Haward. The surname is most commonly associated with England, where it was used to denote landowners and officials responsible for maintaining property boundaries. The name has also been significant in American history, particularly in South Carolina, where Thomas Heyward Jr. signed the Declaration of Independence. Today, the surname is found in many countries, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
