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Skylar

Boy Name #1,553 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A Dutch-American name that touches the sky

American Dutch English
Modern Bold Unique Strong Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"scholar"
Origin: Dutch
Language: Dutch
"shelter, protection"
Origin: Dutch/Low German
Language: Dutch

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

Dutch Schuyler
French Skylar
German Skylar
Spanish Skylar

Famous People Named Skylar

P

Philip Schuyler

Military

1733

American Revolutionary War general and father-in-law of Alexander Hamilton

S

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

Sky

Pairs Well With

Skylar James Skylar Cole Skylar Reid Skylar Grant Skylar Lee Skylar Drew Skylar Chase

Sibling Names

Also a Girl Name

Skylar is also used as a girl name, ranked #134.

View Skylar as a girl name →

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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.

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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