Meaning & History
Taylor is an English surname and given name occupational in origin, deriving from the Norman French word tailleur (meaning "tailor"), which in turn comes from Latin taliare "to cut". The name spread in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and the earliest known written record is from 1182 in Somerset.
History and Evolution
The surname Taylor is one of the most common in English-speaking countries: it ranks 4th in the United Kingdom, 5th in England, and 10th in the United States (2000 census). It is especially frequent in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, while less common in Ireland. Its occupational origin meant it could describe either a person's trade or be passed down as a hereditary name.
Gender and Popularity
Taylor has been in use as a first name for both genders since at least the 19th century. However, it surged in popularity for girls in the 1990s, influenced in part by authors such as Taylor Caldwell (who wrote 40 novels) and by celebrities like actress Taylor Swift. In the United States, the name peaked at #6 for girls and #51 for boys around the mid-1990s. Today, it remains more common for girls in the US, Canada, and Australia, but in England and Wales it is still slightly more popular for boys.
Notable Bearers
- Taylor Swift (born 1989) – American singer-songwriter, one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
- Taylor Caldwell (1900–1985) – British-born American author of historical fiction and family sagas.
Related Names
Variants of Taylor include Tayla and Tayler, which are modern adaptations or respellings.
- Meaning: tailor
- Origin: English from Norman French
- Type: occupational
- Usage regions: English-speaking countries (chiefly US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand)
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Taylor (surname)