"one who cuts cloth, tailor"
Origin: Old French/Anglo-Norman taillour
Language: English
Taylor
Pronunciation: [ t-AYL-er ]
Does Taylor flow with your last name?
An American classic now navigating Taylor Swift's enormous shadow
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Things to Know About This Name
- Now overwhelmingly associated with Taylor Swift — for boys this may feel like reclaimed female territory, requiring explanation
The Story of Taylor
Taylor is an occupational surname that crossed into use as a given name in the 20th century. It derives from the Anglo-Norman taillour, meaning one who cuts cloth — a tailor. Occupational surnames became common in medieval England as hereditary family names were adopted, and many, like Taylor, eventually crossed over to first-name use. It was used for both boys and girls, becoming a signature unisex name of the 1990s.
Taylor was an extremely popular unisex name in the 1990s, peaking for boys around 1993 and for girls slightly later. Taylor Swift's rise to global stardom from 2006 onward firmly shifted the name's cultural association toward girls, making it a less common choice for boys as parents worry about the name reading female.
Taylor Swift has made this name almost inseparable from her global brand. For boys named Taylor, they navigate their entire lives explaining that yes, Taylor is also a traditional boy's name with a long history. Historically, President Zachary Taylor (1849-1850) gave it a presidential connection, and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters gave it rock music credibility.
Historical Record
Taylor first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 108,955 babies have been named Taylor in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Taylor is past its peak , currently ranked #667 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Taylor was the number one boys name in some US states in 1992
- Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States, serving from 1849-1850
- Taylor Swift has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time
Taylor in Other Languages
French
Taylor
German
Taylor
English
Taylor
Spanish
Taylor
Japanese
テイラー
Popularity Over Time
#667
Current Rank
Peaked 1993
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Taylor
T
Taylor Swift
Musician
1989
American singer-songwriter and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, known for Fearless, 1989, and The Eras...
American singer-songwriter and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, known for Fearless, 1989, and The Eras Tour
J
James Taylor
Musician
1948
American singer-songwriter, one of the best-selling music artists in the world, known for Fire and Rain and You've Got a...
American singer-songwriter, one of the best-selling music artists in the world, known for Fire and Rain and You've Got a Friend
Z
Zachary Taylor
Politician
1784
12th President of the United States, decorated war hero of the Mexican-American War
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Compare Taylor with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #667
- Total SSA Count
- 411
- Cultural Origins
- American English Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Tay
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
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
Middle Names
Middle Names for Taylor
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Taylor is also used as a girl name, ranked #353.
View Taylor as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Taylor
What does the name Taylor mean?
"one who cuts cloth, tailor" (from Old French/Anglo-Norman taillour). Taylor is an occupational surname that crossed into use as a given name in the 20th century. It derives from the Anglo-Norman taillour, meaning one who cuts cloth — a tailor. Occupational surnames became common in medieval England as hereditary family names were adopted, and many, like Taylor, eventually crossed over to first-name use. It was used for both boys and girls, becoming a signature unisex name of the 1990s.
What is the origin of the name Taylor?
Taylor has Old French/Anglo-Norman taillour, American, English, and Australian origins. In Old French/Anglo-Norman taillour, it means "one who cuts cloth, tailor".
Is Taylor a boy or girl name?
Taylor is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #667. As a girl name, it is ranked #353. Taylor is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Taylor?
Taylor is pronounced t-AYL-er.
How popular is the name Taylor?
Taylor is currently ranked #667 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Taylor?
Common nicknames for Taylor include Tay.
What are good middle names for Taylor?
Popular middle name pairings include Taylor James, Taylor Michael, Taylor Scott, Taylor Lee, Taylor Wayne, and Taylor Blake.
What are good sibling names for Taylor?
Names that pair well with Taylor as siblings include Logan, Jordan, Morgan, Avery, Hayden, and Riley.
How many syllables does Taylor have?
Taylor has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Taylor a common or rare name?
Taylor is moderately common, ranked #667 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Taylor?
About the Name Taylor
Taylor is a boy name with American, English, and Australian origins . The name means "one who cuts cloth, tailor" in Old French/Anglo-Norman taillour .
Is Taylor a boy or girl name? Taylor is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #667 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #353. Taylor is more commonly used as a girl name.
Taylor is currently ranked #667 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Taylor has 2 syllables and is pronounced t-AYL-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Taylor include Tay. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Taylor include Taylen, Taylin, Taylon, Taylan, Tayler . 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