Gaylord

Gaylord is an English given name that originated as a transferred use of an English surname. The surname itself derived from the Old French gaillard, meaning "high-spirited, boisterous" or "joyful."

Etymology

The name ultimately traces back to Old French gaillard, a word that conveyed liveliness and vigor. Brought to England by the Normans, it first appeared as a surname before being adopted as a masculine given name. A notable variant is Gayelord, which shows a spelling influenced by the English word "lord."

Notable Bearers

Several notable individuals have borne the name Gaylord. In the arts, Gaylord Birch (1946–1996) was a drummer for bands including Santana and Herbie Hancock. Gaylord Carter (1905–2000) was a renowned American organist and film composer. Gaylord DuBois (1899–1993) wrote extensively in comic books and juvenile fiction. In journalism, Gaylord Shaw (1942–2015) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter. Gaylord J. Clarke, a 19th-century newspaper editor, also served as a politician.

Cultural Significance

Once a moderately common name, Gaylord experienced a steep decline in usage after the mid-20th century. This is widely attributed to the word gay acquiring the slang meaning "homosexual" around the 1960s–70s, making the name feel dated or awkward in the ears of new parents. Today, it is rarely given to children.

• Meaning: High-spirited, boisterous
• Origin: French; transferred from a surname
• Type: Masculine first name
• Usage Regions: English-speaking countries (declining)