Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Taylor has its roots in Old French and Middle English, originally meaning 'to cut' or 'tailor'. It evolved from 'taillour' to its current form. The name signifies craftsmanship and creativity, carrying no direct biblical relevance. Taylor became popular as both a surname and a first name, especially in the 20th century, and is now viewed positively in contemporary culture.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈteɪlər/
Origin
Old French, Middle English
Etymology
The name Taylor originates from the Old French word 'tailleur', meaning 'cutter' or 'to cut'. It was used as an occupational surname for someone who was a tailor by trade.
Meaning
to cut or tailor
Language Evolution
Old French: taillour, Middle English: taillour, Modern English: Taylor
Historical Usage
Taylor gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages as a surname before becoming widely used as a first name in the 20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Tailor, Tayla, Taylah
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Taylor is seen as a modern and versatile name, popular among various demographics, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Taylor Swift, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Hicks
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 28,958 peak births in 1993
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (26 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 26 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 569th of 7545 | 1,911 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 733rd of 6773 | 1,338 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 784th of 7552 | 1,675 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 559th of 10718 | 3,351 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 80th of 16616 | 66,228 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 190th of 24088 | 31,397 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 526th of 23106 | 6,649 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6038th of 12526 | 75 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1679th of 19264 | 913 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 38th of 27321 | 127,441 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 15th of 35406 | 171,947 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 121st of 30306 | 28,980 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
63.63% 901st/1416 |
64.03% 883rd/1379 |
18.05% 427th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
65.59% 1014th/1546 |
67.67% 1053rd/1556 |
25.33% 596th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
37.31% 831st/2227 |
40.91% 994th/2430 |
25.38% 724th/2853 |
30.45% 845th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
21.25% 624th/2937 |
20.70% 721st/3483 |
15.89% 559th/3518 |
11.08% 448th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.28% 84th/3685 |
2.57% 115th/4475 |
1.39% 72nd/5194 |
1.23% 78th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
4.02% 184th/4582 |
5.15% 266th/5164 |
2.27% 166th/7313 |
2.64% 197th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
15.16% 604th/3984 |
13.06% 586th/4487 |
6.77% 462nd/6822 |
8.43% 529th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
70.79% 2079th/2937 |
46.17% 1608th/3483 |
38.49% 1354th/3518 |
42.21% 1707th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
0.98% 36th/3685 |
1.14% 51st/4475 |
0.62% 32nd/5194 |
0.73% 46th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
0.24% 11th/4582 |
0.48% 25th/5164 |
0.16% 12th/7313 |
0.29% 22nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
3.24% 129th/3984 |
2.85% 128th/4487 |
1.50% 102nd/6822 |
2.34% 147th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Nevada across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for male in MidWest, too rising for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too rising for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, too rising for female in South, falling for male in West, too rising for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 569th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 733rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 784th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 559th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 80th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 190th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 526th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6038th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1679th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 38th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 121st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.