Skylar is a name that manages to feel both academically grounded and breezily modern. It occupies a unique space in the naming world; it possesses the distinguished weight of a Dutch surname yet sounds as light and airy as the nature word “sky” hidden within it. While it began as a preppy staple for boys, it has transformed into a vibrant, spirited choice that is now overwhelmingly popular for girls. It feels open, friendly, and unpretentious.
For parents seeking a name that bridges the gap between traditional surnames like Taylor or Parker and nature names like River or Willow, Skylar is the perfect compromise. It offers the best of both worlds: historical roots with a contemporary sound.
Verdict: Skylar is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025. It is established enough to be recognizable but retains a sense of youthful energy that never feels dusty or dated.
Skylar Overview
- Meaning: Skylar means “student” or “scholar.”
- Gender: Skylar is a unisex name.
- Origin: Skylar is a name of German and Dutch origins.
- Pronunciation: “SKY-ler” in American English, “SKY-lar” in British English.
- Popularity: Skylar is a very popular name for girls, but not as popular for boys.
- Nicknames: Kai, KyKy, Lar, Lark, Sky, and Skye.
- Variations: Schuylar, Schuyler, Skye, Skyla, Skyler, Skyllar, and Skyler.
- Namesakes: Skylar Astin, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Skylar Grey, Skylar Johnson, Skylar Mays, Skylar Spence, Skylar Rutherford Thomas.
What Does Skylar Mean?
At its core, Skylar means “scholar” or “student.” While the phonetic sound of the name immediately brings to mind images of the open sky, clouds, and nature, the etymological roots are strictly academic. This creates a wonderful duality for a child’s identity; it suggests a person who is both intellectually curious and free-spirited.
All parents hope that their little one becomes smart and self-sufficient. This is a great name for parents aspiring for their baby to make a legacy of learning and wisdom.
Where Does the Name Skylar Come From?
Skylar is an Anglicized spelling of Dutch and German origin. It comes from the Dutch surname, Schuyler, which means “student” and “scholar.”
The name arrived in America with Dutch settlers in New York (then New Amsterdam) in the 17th century. The Schuyler family was incredibly prominent in early American history, most notably General Philip Schuyler, a hero of the American Revolution. For generations, it was strictly a surname or a male given name used to honor family lineage.
Linguistically, the root is fascinating. The Greek root word σχολή translates as “skholi,” which is a place where scholars would talk during leisure time. The Latins borrowed “schola” from the word “skholi,” to make it a word that means “a place for educational instruction.” This is how Schuyler came to be as a given name before Skylar became more mainstream (1).
How Popular Is the Name Skylar?
Skylar is a true modern success story. It is a very popular girl’s name, consistently ranking high on the charts. As a girl name, Skylar ranked #562 in its first year on the top 1,000 baby girl names list in 1990. It was part of the massive wave of surname-names that defined the 90s. After dipping and rising through that decade, it remained in the 100s rankings from 1998 to 2011. It hit the top 100 in 2012 where it has stayed since then (2). It has proven itself to be a timeless classic for the 21st century rather than a passing fad.
However, the trajectory is different for boys. It is not as popular for boys, making it a distinctively “soft” choice for a son today. Skylar ranks in the 1200s as of 2022 (3). It was last in the top 1,000 list for boys in 2018 at #921. Skylar as a boy name was most popular in 2000 at rank #356. Hence, Skylar as a boy name is returning to the rarity levels it saw in the 1980s.
How Do I Pronounce Skylar?
The pronunciation is straightforward, which adds to its appeal. Americans pronounce Skylar by saying “SKY-ler,” rhyming with “Tyler.” In the United Kingdom and parts of Australia, you pronounce the name “SKY-lar,” with a slightly softer ending.
Is Skylar a Boy or Girl Name?
Skylar is a unisex name, though in modern usage, it is overwhelmingly more popular as a girl name. The spelling “Skyler” (ending in -er) is often considered the more masculine or traditional spelling, while “Skylar” (ending in -ar) is preferred for girls. Alternatively, Skylar as a boy name is currently ranking near the bottom of the list of most popular male names, making it a unique gem for parents who want a boy’s name that isn’t hyper-masculine.
Variations of Skylar
Skylar has different spellings and similar-sounding names depending on whether you prefer the traditional roots or a modern twist. Here are some name variations that we love for Skylar:
- Schuyler: The traditional Dutch spelling (Original).
- Schuylar: A variation of the traditional spelling.
- Skyler: The most common alternative spelling, often preferred for boys.
- Skyla: A more feminine spin removing the “r.”
- Skye: A short, nature-focused variation.
- Skyllar: A unique double-L spelling.
Nicknames for Skylar
Skylar is a two-syllable name with quirky one-syllable nicknames. While “Sky” is the obvious choice, there are several creative options:
- Kai: A hip, modern nickname derived from the first syllable.
- KyKy: A playful, repetitive nickname perfect for toddlers.
- Lark: A creative twist pulling from the letters in Skylar, adding a bird/nature vibe.
- Lar: A short, affectionate form.
- Sky / Skye: The most intuitive and beautiful short form.
Names Similar to Skylar
If you love the vibe of Skylar but want to explore other options, look for names that are surnames, end in “er/ar,” or have a nature connection. Here is what is similar to Skylar we wished to highlight:
- Arwin: Shares the soft vowels and surname feel.
- Aspyn: A nature name (Aspen tree) with the trendy “y” spelling.
- Layla: distinct, but shares the “la” sound and popularity.
- Lyla: Similar rhyme scheme to the first syllable of Skylar.
- Kinsley: Another surname-turned-first-name hit.
- Reign: A word name that feels majestic, like “Scholar.”
- Sierra: A nature name that was huge in the 90s, just like Skylar’s rise.
- Summer: A seasonal nature name with a similar sunny disposition.
- Tyler: The perfect rhyming cousin, traditionally for boys.
Middle Names for Skylar
Skylar is whimsical and witty and pairs well with many different names. Because Skylar ends in a soft “r” sound, it often flows best with middle names that start with a consonant or a hard vowel.
Nature-Inspired Pairings
Modern & Trendy Pairings
- Skylar Addison
- Skylar Payton
- Skylar Paxton
- Skylar Indie
- Skylar Lyric
- Skylar London
Classic & Timeless Pairings
Sibling Names for Skylar
If you have a boy or girl named Skylar, it is time to think of a matching sibling name. You generally want a name that feels modern, American, and slightly preppy.
For a Brother
For a Sister
- Celine
- Juniper (Matches the nature energy)
- Kennedy
- Oakley
- Savannah
- Scarlet
- Sharon
- Trinity
- Valentina
- Ximena
Famous People Named Skylar
Since Skylar has remained popular for the last 30 years, there are multiple celebrities named Skylar. Here are the famous people that we wanted to highlight with this name:
- Skylar Astin: American actor known for his role in Pitch Perfect.
- Skylar Diggins-Smith: American WNBA player and Olympic gold medalist.
- Skylar Grey: American record producer, songwriter, and singer known for writing “Love the Way You Lie.”
- Skylar Johnson: Son of retired NFL player Damaris Johnson.
- Skylar Mays: American NBA player.
- Skylar Spence: American electronic musician and singer.
- Skylar Rutherford Thomas: Canadian-born professional soccer player.
Skylar in Popular Culture
Skylar’s popularity through the 1990s means that there are multiple pop culture references to the name. These are the pop culture references we love for the name Skylar:
- Skylar: The brilliant pre-med student and love interest in the film Good Will Hunting (1997).
- Skylar Bergman: A character in the reality television series Baywatch.
- Skylar Sinclair: A fictional character in the video game The Saboteur.
- Skylar Stevens: A fictional character in the TV series Jericho.
- Skyler Morse: A minor recurring character in the adult cartoon South Park.
- Skyler “Skye” Miller: A fictional character in the novel 13 Reasons Why who also featured in the Netflix adaptation.
FAQs About the Name Skylar
Skylar is a great baby boy or girl name. But we know you have other name options to consider. These are answers to your most frequently asked questions about the name Skylar.
What Names Rhyme With Skylar?
If you want to find a name that rhymes with Skylar, here are some choices:
- Chrysler
- Kaiser
- Meyer
- Pilar
- Taylor
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Skyler?
The spiritual meaning of Skyler is often associated with “shelter” and “protection” due to alternative translations of the root surname. Hence, some Christian parents choose this name for their children because of its deeply spiritual meaning of God being a shelter.
What Does Skylar Mean in Irish?
In Irish contexts, Skylar is sometimes phonetically linked to translations meaning “isle of the sky.” While the name is not etymologically Irish (it is Dutch), this interpretation makes parents feel that being in their child’s presence is like being in the heavens.
Is Skylar a Biblical Name?
No, Skylar is not a Biblical name. It does not appear in the Old or New Testaments. It is a Dutch occupational surname that originated much later than biblical times. However, for religious parents, the association with “Sky” often serves as a nod to Heaven.
Which Spelling Is Better: Skylar or Skyler?
This depends entirely on your preference and the gender of your baby. Generally, “Skyler” (with an e) is considered the traditional spelling closer to the Dutch Schuyler and is more frequently used for boys. “Skylar” (with an a) is the spelling that surged in popularity for girls in the 1990s and is currently the most popular variation for females.
Is Skylar Considered a “Dated” Name?
Skylar is not considered dated. While it had a massive surge in the 1990s, it has stabilized rather than crashed. It has transitioned from a “trendy” name to a “modern classic” similar to how names like Allison or Natalie function. It feels established but still energetic.
Does Skylar Have a “Nature” Meaning?
While the strict etymology means “scholar,” Skylar is widely accepted as a nature-adjacent name because it contains the word “Sky.” Many parents choose it specifically for this reason, grouping it with other atmospheric names like Stormi, Rain, or Sunny.
What Is the Personality of the Name Skylar?
Based on numerology (usually the number 5), the name Skylar is associated with freedom, adventure, and curiosity. The “scholar” meaning also imbues the name with a sense of intelligence and wit, suggesting a child who is both book-smart and street-smart.
