"scholar"
Skylar
A Dutch-American name that touches the sky
Meaning & Origin
"shelter, protection"
Things to Know About This Name
- Has trended more female in the US since 2010s, which some parents may want to be aware of
The Story of Skylar
Skylar derives from the Dutch surname 'Schuyler,' brought to America by Dutch colonists in the 17th century. The Schuyler family were prominent Dutch-American aristocrats — Philip Schuyler was a general in the American Revolutionary War and father of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton's wife. The Dutch name itself may derive from 'schuilder' (shelter) or possibly from Low German meaning 'scholar' or 'eternal life.' Today's simplified spelling 'Skylar' emerged in American culture, giving the name a breezy, sky-evoking quality.
Skylar entered mainstream American naming in the 1980s-90s and peaked in the 2000s-2010s. While initially used for both boys and girls, it has trended more feminine in recent years, though it remains used for boys as well.
The Schuyler family were foundational to American history — Eliza Schuyler Hamilton has been dramatically reimagined in Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'Hamilton' (2015), bringing new attention to the name. The name's sky imagery also connects to themes of freedom and possibility.
Fun Facts
- The Schuyler family were Dutch-American aristocrats; Eliza Schuyler married Alexander Hamilton and became a philanthropist who co-founded an orphanage
- Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'Hamilton' musical (2015) introduced the Schuyler sisters to a new generation, giving the name renewed cultural cachet
Skylar in Other Languages
Famous People Named Skylar
Philip Schuyler
Military
1733
American Revolutionary War general and father-in-law of Alexander Hamilton
Skylar White Fictional
Other
Walter White's wife in the acclaimed TV drama Breaking Bad, portrayed by Anna Gunn
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,553
- Total SSA Count
- 113
- Cultural Origins
- American Dutch English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Skylar is also used as a girl name, ranked #134.
View Skylar as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Skylar
What does the name Skylar mean?
What is the origin of the name Skylar?
Is Skylar a boy or girl name?
How popular is the name Skylar?
What are common nicknames for Skylar?
What are good middle names for Skylar?
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How many syllables does Skylar have?
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About the Name Skylar
Skylar is a boy name with American, Dutch, and English origins . The name means "scholar" in Dutch .
Is Skylar a boy or girl name? Skylar is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,553 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #134. Skylar is more commonly used as a girl name.
Skylar is currently ranked #1,553 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Skylar has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Skylar include Sky. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Skylar include Skyler . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.