"shelter, refuge"
Origin: Dutch
Language: English
Skylar
Does Skylar flow with your last name?
A Dutch scholar's name with head-in-the-clouds wonder
Dutch
English
American
Modern
Bold
Earthy
Minimalist
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Skylar
Skylar is an Americanized spelling of Schuyler (pronounced the same), derived from the Dutch surname meaning scholar or shelter. Dutch Schuyler families were prominent in colonial New York — most famously the Schuyler family, featured in the Hamilton musical. The phonetic spelling Skylar became popular as the Dutch surname-meaning became secondary to the sky imagery that parents find appealing.
Skylar became popular in the US in the 1990s and has remained a top-100 name for girls since the 2010s. Its sky connection appeals to parents who love nature-inspired names, while the '-ar' ending gives it a modern feel. The character Skylar White in Breaking Bad (2008-2013) kept it in pop culture consciousness.
The name's Dutch heritage connects to the influential Schuyler family of colonial America. Alexander Hamilton married Eliza Schuyler, and the Hamilton musical has renewed interest in the Schuyler name in both its traditional and modern spellings.
Historical Record
Skylar first appeared in US Social Security records in 1974.
Over 85,585 babies have been named Skylar in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Skylar is past its peak , currently ranked #134 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Skylar/Schuyler comes from a Dutch family name, not from the word 'sky' — though the sky connection is why modern parents love it
- The Schuyler family was one of the most influential Dutch families in colonial New York
Skylar in Other Languages
Dutch
Schuyler
French
Skylar
German
Skylar
Spanish
Skylar
Popularity Over Time
#134
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 2015
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Skylar
S
Skylar Diggins-Smith
Athlete
1990
American professional WNBA basketball player, five-time All-Star
S
Skylar Grey
Musician
1986
American singer-songwriter who wrote massive hits for Eminem, Rihanna, and others
S
Skylar White Fictional
Other
The complex protagonist wife in the acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad (2008-2013), played by Anna Gunn
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Compare Skylar with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #134
- Total SSA Count
- 2,186
- Cultural Origins
- Dutch English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Sky
Skye
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 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
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 Boy Name
Skylar is also used as a boy name, ranked #1553.
View Skylar as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Skylar
What does the name Skylar mean?
"shelter, refuge" (from Dutch). Skylar is an Americanized spelling of Schuyler (pronounced the same), derived from the Dutch surname meaning scholar or shelter. Dutch Schuyler families were prominent in colonial New York — most famously the Schuyler family, featured in the Hamilton musical. The phonetic spelling Skylar became popular as the Dutch surname-meaning became secondary to the sky imagery that parents find appealing.
What is the origin of the name Skylar?
Skylar has Dutch, English, and American origins. In Dutch, it means "shelter, refuge".
Is Skylar a boy or girl name?
Skylar is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #134. As a boy name, it is ranked #1553. Skylar is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Skylar?
Skylar is currently ranked #134 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Skylar?
Common nicknames for Skylar include Sky and Skye.
What are good middle names for Skylar?
Popular middle name pairings include Skylar Rose, Skylar Grace, Skylar Dawn, Skylar Blue, Skylar Jade, Skylar Mae, and Skylar Rae.
What are good sibling names for Skylar?
Names that pair well with Skylar as siblings include Everly, Parker, Emerson, Hadley, Sawyer, and Remi.
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 a popular name, ranked #134 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Skylar?
About the Name Skylar
Skylar is a girl name with Dutch, English, and American origins . The name means "shelter, refuge" in Dutch .
Is Skylar a boy or girl name? Skylar is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #134 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,553. Skylar is more commonly used as a girl name.
Skylar is currently ranked #134 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Skylar has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Skylar include Sky and Skye. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Skylar include Skyler, Skyla, Skylynn, Skylah, Skylee . 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