At its core, Taylor is an English occupational name derived from the Norman French tailleur, meaning “cutter of cloth.” It represents craftsmanship, precision, and the ability to shape something new from raw materials.
Verdict: Taylor is an excellent choice for a baby born in 2025 because it hits the “Goldilocks” zone of popularity. It is instantly recognizable and easy to spell, yet it has cooled off enough since its 1990s peak that your child won’t likely share the name with three other kids in their class. It is a gender-neutral classic that feels at home on a CEO, an artist, or an athlete.
Taylor Overview
- Meaning: Taylor comes from the word “tailor,” which takes its origins from the French “tailleur.” The original word refers to an occupation that modified clothing.
- Gender: Taylor is a unisex name for both boys and girls.
- Origin: Taylor is an English name with origins in Anglo-French, Old French, and Latin.
- Pronunciation: Taylor is pronounced, “TAY-lor.”
- Popularity: The name Taylor waxed and waned in popularity for boys over the past century, but was extremely popular for girls in the 1980s. In the United States, Taylor ranked 192 for girls and 643 for boys born in 2021.
- Nicknames: Lor, Lory, Tay, Tayls, Taylie, Tee.
- Variations: Tailleur, Tailour, Tayla, Tayloe, Taylour, Tyler.
- Namesakes: Taylor Kitsch (Canadian actor), Taylor Lautner (American actor), Taylor Swift (American singer).
What Does Taylor Mean?
Taylor is a classic girl name (and boy name) with a definition rooted in craftsmanship. While the dictionary definition is straightforward, the etymology offers a deeper look at the skill involved in the name.
The name comes from the Old French tailleur, which implies a “cutter of cloth.” This goes back further to the Late Latin taliare, meaning “to cut.” In the medieval era, a tailor was a vital member of the community, responsible for fashioning garments that fit and protected the wearer (1).
Therefore, the name implies more than just a job; it implies the ability to adapt, construct, and improve.
Where Does the Name Taylor Come From?
The name Taylor is of English origin, though its linguistic roots are firmly planted in France and Rome. Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, French words permeated the English language, transforming the trade of the “tailleur” into the English surname “Taylor.”
Historically, families used the name Taylor strictly as a surname to identify a person by their trade. It is one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world.
Its transition to a first name began slowly in the 19th century, often given to boys to honor a mother’s maiden name or a respected family member. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that it exploded as a primary given name for both genders (2).
How Popular Is the Name Taylor?
Taylor is a fascinating case study in American naming trends. It is what onomatologists call a “meteor” that became a “modern classic.”
For the first half of the 20th century, Taylor was a rare choice, generally reserved for boys. It began a steady climb in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the true explosion occurred in the 1990s. Fueled by a trend toward unisex surnames, Taylor skyrocketed to become a defining name of the decade. From 1993 to 1999, it was a Top 10 name for girls in the US.
In 2025, Taylor has settled into a comfortable rhythm. It is no longer ubiquitous, having dipped out of the Top 100 for girls and the Top 500 for boys. This is actually good news for modern parents; it means the name is familiar and beloved, but your child is unlikely to be one of five Taylors in a classroom (3).
How Do I Pronounce Taylor?
The pronunciation of Taylor is phonetic and consistent across most English-speaking regions. It is pronounced:
TAY-lər
There are very few variations in pronunciation, though in some accents, the second syllable may sound more like “lore” (TAY-lore) rather than the softer schwa sound (TAY-lər).
Is Taylor a Boy or Girl Name?
Taylor is the quintessential unisex name. It is one of the few names in history to achieve significant popularity for both sexes simultaneously, though its peak usage differs by gender.
Historically, it started as a male name. In the 1990s, the pendulum swung heavily toward girls, leading some parents to view it as feminine. However, in the current era, gender-neutral names are in high demand, and Taylor is reclaiming its status as a truly androgynous choice. It works equally well for a son or a daughter.
Variations of Taylor
While Taylor is the standard spelling, parents seeking a unique twist or looking to honor different heritages have adopted several variations:
- Tailor: The literal English spelling of the occupation.
- Tayler: A common variation popular in the late 90s.
- Tailleur: The Old French original spelling (rare).
- Tai: A Vietnamese name often used as a standalone or variation.
- Tyla: A modern, feminized spelling.
- Tayla: An Americanized variation ending in ‘a’.
Nicknames for Taylor
Taylor is short enough to be used without a nickname, but it lends itself to several affectionate diminutives. Beyond the standard “Tay,” here are some common and creative options:
- Tay: The most universal nickname.
- Tee: A simple initial nickname.
- Lo: Derived from the second syllable, a modern and spunky choice.
- Lottie: A creative stretch from the “lot” sound in Taylor, giving it a vintage feel.
- Tot: An affectionate, playful name for a small child.
- Tay-Tay: A common reduplicated nickname for toddlers.
Names Similar to Taylor
If you love the vibe of Taylor but want something slightly different, consider these names that share its occupational roots, unisex flair, or 90s nostalgia:
- Jordan: Like Taylor, this is a heavy-hitter unisex name that peaked in the 90s and remains a classic.
- Morgan: A Welsh surname-name that perfectly balances softness and strength.
- Parker: An occupational surname (park keeper) that feels slightly more modern and preppy.
- Cameron: A Scottish surname that, like Taylor, has successfully transitioned to a gender-neutral staple.
- Harper: Currently the spiritual successor to Taylor; an occupational surname that is wildly popular for girls.
- Sawyer: A rugged occupational name (“sawer of wood”) with a similar “er” ending.
- Bailey: An occupational surname (bailiff) that shares Taylor’s friendly, approachable sound.
- Peyton: Shares the surname-as-first-name appeal but with a Southern aristocracy vibe.
Middle Names for Taylor
Because Taylor creates a neutral canvas, you can paint it with any style you choose. Here are curated pairings to help you find the right flow.
Classic & Timeless
These names ground Taylor in tradition and elegance.
Nature & Boho
These options soften the name and give it an earthy feel.
Short & Punchy
One-syllable middle names often flow best with the two-syllable Taylor.
Sibling Names for Taylor
Building a sibset around Taylor is fun because it plays well with both traditional and modern names.
For a Brother
- Austin: Shares the 90s-cool vibe and geographical connection.
- Ryan: A solid, sporty Irish name that matches Taylor’s energy.
- Connor: Friendly, approachable, and currently popular without being trendy.
- Logan: Another surname-name that works beautifully for boys.
- Tyler: While very similar in sound, they are often paired as a classic brother-sister set.
For a Sister
- Madison: The ultimate stylistic match for Taylor; both are surname-names that redefined girl naming in the 90s.
- Sydney: Shares the unisex appeal and two-syllable rhythm.
- Avery: A modern, gender-neutral successor to Taylor.
- Riley: Upbeat, Irish, and spunky, just like Taylor.
- Kendall: A sophisticated surname choice that feels slightly more modern.
Famous People Named Taylor
The name Taylor has been borne by presidents, rock stars, and screen icons.
- Taylor Swift: The most famous Taylor of the modern era, this American singer-songwriter has single-handedly kept the name in the global spotlight.
- Zachary Taylor: The 12th President of the United States, known as “Old Rough and Ready.”
- Taylor Lautner: American actor and martial artist best known for his role as Jacob Black in the Twilight saga.
- Taylor Kitsch: Canadian actor known for his portrayal of Tim Riggins in Friday Night Lights.
- Taylor Momsen: American singer and actress known for her role in Gossip Girl and her band The Pretty Reckless.
- Elizabeth Taylor: While it was her surname, the legendary actress is often associated with the glamour of the name.
Taylor in Pop Culture
- Taylor Doose: The stickler town selectman in the beloved series Gilmore Girls.
- Taylor Townsend: The quirky, intelligent socialite in the teen drama The O.C.
- Tim Taylor: The “Toolman” from the 90s sitcom Home Improvement (surname usage).
- Taylor McKessie: A main character in the High School Musical franchise.
- Opie Taylor: The iconic character played by Ron Howard in The Andy Griffith Show.
FAQs About the Name Taylor
Here are answers to the most common questions we get about this enduring name.
Does the Name Taylor Have a Biblical Meaning?
Taylor does not have biblical roots. The name derives from the word tailor and describes an occupation or a job.
Does the Name Taylor Belong to a Scottish Clan?
Yes! There is a Scottish Clan called Clan Tailyour. Their motto is “In Cruce Salus”, which means “Salvation in the Cross” (4).
Why Was Taylor So Popular in the 1990s?
Taylor’s boom in the 90s was part of a larger cultural shift toward gender-neutral surnames for girls, alongside names like Madison and Jordan. It offered a preppy, sophisticated alternative to the floral and frilly names of previous decades. Pop culture also helped; the fame of young celebrities and characters with the name cemented its status as a “cool kid” name.
Is Taylor Considered a Dated Name in 2025?
While Taylor is no longer in the Top 10, it is not considered “dated” in the negative sense. Instead, it has transitioned into a “modern classic.” It is established enough to be respected but not so trendy that it feels fleeting. It is comparable to names like Ryan or Kelly, universally recognized and accepted.
Can I Spell Taylor with an “E”?
Yes, the spelling Tayler is a recognized variation. However, be aware that spelling it with an “er” ties it much more closely to the literal occupation of a tailor. The “or” spelling is generally preferred for the given name because it looks more distinct from the job title.
Is Taylor Popular as a Middle Name?
Yes, Taylor is an exceptionally popular middle name choice. Because it is a surname with two syllables and a neutral sound, it acts as a perfect “bridge” between a flowery first name and a family surname. It adds a touch of strength and rhythm to almost any combination.
What Is the “Taylor Swift Effect” on the Name?
Interestingly, while Taylor Swift is one of the most famous women in the world, her fame hasn’t caused the name to skyrocket again. Sometimes, when a celebrity is too famous, parents avoid the name to prevent immediate association. However, she has certainly kept the name youthful, relevant, and in the public consciousness, preventing it from fading into obscurity.
