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Home › Baby Names Directory › Hailee

Hailee

♀ Girl

Pronounced HAY-lee /ˈheɪ.liː/Low

Meaning: Hay clearing or meadowLow

In 30 seconds: Hailee is a modern spelling variant of Hayley, derived from an Old English place name meaning hay clearing or hay meadow. Best known as the first name of actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld.
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Origin LowEnglish
MeaningHay clearing or meadow
U.S. rank (2025)#1355 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births163 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2003
Total births (all-time)≈ 16,481

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200319792025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Hayley originated as an English place name and surname from Old English heg (hay) and leah (clearing). As a given name it was popularized by actress Hayley Mills in the 1960s. Hailee is a modern American spelling variant that emerged in the late 20th century.

The Hailee spelling became especially associated with actress Hailee Steinfeld after her breakout performance in True Grit. The name belongs to the large family of Haylee/Hailey/Halee/Hayli variants popular in the United States.

Did you know? Actress Hailee Steinfeld was nominated for an Academy Award at age 14 for True Grit (2010), bringing this spelling of the name into broad public awareness and cementing its modern, stylish image.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Hayley

Variations

HayleyHaileyHayleeHaleyHayleigh

Nicknames

HaiLee

Famous Bearers

  • ★Hailee Steinfeld (1996–present)
    American actress and singer, Academy Award nominee for True Grit

If you like Hailee…

Hailey— Most common spelling variant
Haylee— Another popular spelling
Kailey— Same suffix, same naming trend
Kaylee— Parallel variant with same -lee ending

Explore names like Hailee

By themeenglishtwo-syllableplace-namespelling-variantpopular
By meaningEarth / Nature

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Frequently Asked

What does Hailee mean?

Hailee means hay clearing or hay meadow, from the Old English place name Haigh Leah.

How is Hailee different from Hailey?

Hailee uses a double-e ending, associated particularly with actress Hailee Steinfeld, while Hailey uses the more traditional -ey spelling.

How do you pronounce Hailee?

Hailee is pronounced HAY-lee, the same as Hayley.

Who is a famous Hailee?

Hailee Steinfeld is the most famous bearer, an actress and singer nominated for an Oscar at age 14.

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