"tailor, cloth-cutter"
Origin: Old French via English
Language: English
Taylor
Pronunciation: [ t-AYL-er ]
Does Taylor flow with your last name?
A classic American surname-name now synonymous with one megastar
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Things to Know About This Name
- Overwhelmingly associated with Taylor Swift since 2006 — this is a major pro for many families and a con for those wanting a name independent of celebrity identity
The Story of Taylor
Taylor originated as an English occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor — one who cuts and stitches fabric. It derives from the Old French tailleur and ultimately from the Medieval Latin taliare meaning to cut. Like many Anglo-American surnames (Hunter, Parker, Brooks, Mason), Taylor transitioned to use as a unisex given name in the 20th century as the surname-as-first-name trend swept American naming culture.
Taylor became popular as a unisex given name in the 1980s and 1990s, used roughly equally for boys and girls. By 2000 it was predominantly used for girls. Taylor Swift's global rise from 2006 dramatically reinforced the name for girls and made it feel nearly gender-specific, even though it remains technically unisex.
Taylor is quintessentially American — an occupational surname turned first name, reflecting the American tradition of using surnames to signal individuality and modernity. In the 2020s, the name is virtually inseparable from Taylor Swift, the best-selling female recording artist of all time and one of the most culturally influential figures of her generation.
Historical Record
Taylor first appeared in US Social Security records in 1951.
Over 329,356 babies have been named Taylor in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Taylor is past its peak , currently ranked #353 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Taylor was used almost equally for boys and girls in the early 1990s; Taylor Swift's success tilted it decisively toward girls by the 2010s
- The word tailor entered English from Old French tailleur after the Norman Conquest of 1066 — the name carries 1,000 years of English craft history
Taylor in Other Languages
Note
Used internationally as-is with no direct equivalents
Popularity Over Time
#353
Current Rank
Peaked 1994
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; one of the best-selling music artists of all time and the most-streamed female artist in Spo...
American singer-songwriter; one of the best-selling music artists of all time and the most-streamed female artist in Spotify history
T
Taylor Hawkins
Musician
1972
American drummer for the Foo Fighters (1997-2022), widely regarded as one of rock's greatest and most joyful performers
J
James Taylor
Musician
1948
American singer-songwriter and guitarist; five-time Grammy winner known for Fire and Rain and You've Got a Friend
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #353
- Total SSA Count
- 877
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- 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, American 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
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Taylor
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Taylor is also used as a boy name, ranked #667.
View Taylor as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Taylor
What does the name Taylor mean?
"tailor, cloth-cutter" (from Old French via English). Taylor originated as an English occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor — one who cuts and stitches fabric. It derives from the Old French tailleur and ultimately from the Medieval Latin taliare meaning to cut. Like many Anglo-American surnames (Hunter, Parker, Brooks, Mason), Taylor transitioned to use as a unisex given name in the 20th century as the surname-as-first-name trend swept American naming culture.
What is the origin of the name Taylor?
Taylor has Old French via English, American, and English origins. In Old French via English, it means "tailor, cloth-cutter".
Is Taylor a boy or girl name?
Taylor is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #353. As a boy name, it is ranked #667. 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 #353 in popularity for girl 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 Grace, Taylor Anne, Taylor Elizabeth, Taylor Marie, Taylor Mae, Taylor Rose, and Taylor Nicole.
What are good sibling names for Taylor?
Names that pair well with Taylor as siblings include Logan, Jordan, Bailey, Avery, Mason, Parker, 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 a popular name, ranked #353 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Taylor?
About the Name Taylor
Taylor is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "tailor, cloth-cutter" in Old French via English .
Is Taylor a boy or girl name? Taylor is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #353 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #667. Taylor is more commonly used as a girl name.
Taylor is currently ranked #353 in popularity for girl 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 Taylin, Tayla, Taylynn, Taylee, Taylyn . 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