"scholar"
Origin: Dutch
Language: Dutch
Skylar
Does Skylar flow with your last name?
A Dutch-American name that touches the sky
American
Dutch
English
Modern
Bold
Unique
Strong
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"shelter, protection"
Origin: Dutch/Low German
Language: Dutch
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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.
Historical Record
Skylar first appeared in US Social Security records in 1959.
Over 18,158 babies have been named Skylar in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Skylar is past its peak , currently ranked #1,553 for boy names in the US .
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
Dutch
Schuyler
French
Skylar
German
Skylar
Spanish
Skylar
Popularity Over Time
#1,553
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2000
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →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
Sky
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Skylar
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Skylar is also used as a girl name, ranked #134.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Skylar
What does the name Skylar mean?
"scholar" (from Dutch). "shelter, protection" (from Dutch/Low German). 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.
What is the origin of the name Skylar?
Skylar has Dutch, Dutch/Low German, American, and English origins. In Dutch, it means "scholar". In Dutch/Low German, it means "shelter, protection".
Is Skylar a boy or girl name?
Skylar is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1553. As a girl name, it is ranked #134. Skylar is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Skylar?
Skylar is currently ranked #1553 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Skylar?
Common nicknames for Skylar include Sky.
What are good middle names for Skylar?
Popular middle name pairings include Skylar James, Skylar Cole, Skylar Reid, Skylar Grant, Skylar Lee, Skylar Drew, and Skylar Chase.
What are good sibling names for Skylar?
Names that pair well with Skylar as siblings include River, Ryder, Blake, Piper, Caden, Jordan, and Taylor.
How many syllables does Skylar have?
Skylar has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Skylar a common or rare name?
Skylar is an uncommon name, ranked #1553 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Skylar?
Are there other spellings for Skylar?
Related spellings include Skyler.
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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis