The name Headley derives from the Old English Haedleah meaning 'heath clearing' [Source: The Place-Names of Hampshire] and over the centuries has been found written in various ways [see also Pipe Rolls entries]:
- 11th Hallege [Domesday Book]
- c.1190 Hetliga
- 13th Hertelegh
- 1242 Hetle
- 1248 Hedlegh
- 1269 Hethleghe
- 14th Hedle
- 14th Hertlegh
- 15th Hedley
- 16th Hethelie
- 17th Hedleigh
- 18th Heathley