"tile maker, brick layer"
Tyler
Pronunciation: [ t-EYEL-er ]
A sturdy English craft name turned all-American classic
Meaning & Origin
"house builder, craftsman"
The Story of Tyler
Tyler originates as an English occupational surname for a person who laid tiles or bricks — from the Old English and Old French 'tiler.' Like Fletcher (arrow maker), Cooper (barrel maker), and Mason (stone worker), Tyler belongs to the rich tradition of English trade surnames. As a first name, Tyler began rising in the United States during the 1970s-80s, following the trend of using surnames as given names.
Tyler peaked in the US at #5 in 1994, driven by the broader occupational-surname naming trend and by the growing fame of entertainers like Tyler Perry. It remained in the top 20 through the late 1990s before beginning a gradual decline.
John Tyler was the 10th President of the United States (1841-1845), lending the name historical presidential weight. Tyler Perry, the entertainment mogul, kept the name in cultural conversation through the 2000s-2010s.
Fun Facts
- John Tyler, the 10th US President, had 15 biological children — more than any other US president
- Tyler peaked at #5 on US baby name charts in 1994
- Tyler has been used for both girls and boys, making it one of the more common gender-crossover names
Tyler in Other Languages
Famous People Named Tyler
Tyler Perry
Entertainer
1969
American actor, filmmaker, and playwright known for the Madea franchise and his Tyler Perry Studios empire
John Tyler
Politician
1790
10th President of the United States, first VP to ascend to presidency upon a president's death
Tyler Lockwood Fictional
Other
Werewolf character from the supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #191
- Total SSA Count
- 1,908
- Cultural Origins
- American English Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Tyler is also used as a girl name, ranked #1590.
View Tyler as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tyler
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About the Name Tyler
Tyler is a boy name with American, English, and Australian origins . The name means "tile maker, brick layer" in Old English .
Is Tyler a boy or girl name? Tyler is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #191 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,590. Tyler is more commonly used as a boy name.
Tyler is currently ranked #191 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Tyler has 2 syllables and is pronounced t-EYEL-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Tyler include Ty. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Tyler include Tylen . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.