Taylor
/TAY-lur/
Taylor is an English, French baby name pronounced /TAY-lur/. This name literally refers to a person who cuts and sews cloth to make garments.
Meaning of Taylor
This name literally refers to a person who cuts and sews cloth to make garments.
It originated as an English occupational surname derived from the Old French 'tailleur', which itself stems from the Latin 'taliare', meaning 'to cut'. While it began as a surname to identify clothiers, it transitioned into a given name in the 19th century. Its popularity as a first name surged significantly in the late 20th century, particularly in North America.
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- /TAY-lur/
Cultural background
While historically used for boys, Taylor became one of the most prominent unisex names in the United States and Commonwealth countries during the 1990s and 2000s.
Variations & nicknames
- Tayler
- Tailor
- Tayla
- Tay
- Taya
Famous people named Taylor
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Taylor Swift
Global pop icon and prolific singer-songwriter
Music · 2000s–Present
Taylor Lautner
Actor famous for his role in the Twilight film series
Film · 2000s–Present
Taylor Sheridan
Screenwriter and creator of the television series Yellowstone
Film/TV · 2010s–Present
Taylor Fritz
Professional tennis player ranked in the ATP top 10
Sport · 2010s–Present
Taylor Caldwell
Prolific British-American novelist of historical fiction
Literature · Mid-20th Century
Frequently asked about Taylor
- Is Taylor a boy name or a girl name?
- Taylor is a truly unisex name, widely used for both boys and girls, though it peaked for girls in the 1990s.
- What is the origin of the name Taylor?
- It is an English occupational name derived from the Old French word for a cutter of cloth.
- What are common nicknames for Taylor?
- Common nicknames include Tay, Tee, and occasionally Tay-Tay.
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