What does Taylor mean and where does it come from?
Taylor originates from an Old French occupational surname meaning 'tailor'. Initially a male name, it gained increasing popularity as a female name in the late 20th century. Its popularity surged in the US from the 1980s onward. Notable people include Taylor Swift, an internationally recognized sing
Cultural significance
Taylor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to cut or to tailor.
Peak popularity
Reached #6 in 1994 — currently #260 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Taylor?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Taylor?
Taylor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Taylor Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Taylor Rose
Floral · soft ending
Taylor Mae
Sweet · timeless
Taylor Claire
French influence · crisp
Taylor Jane
Literary · strong
Taylor Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Taylor right now?
Declining — down 44 spots — currently #260 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #260 | 1,192 | ▼ down 44 · -13% births |
| 2022 | #216 | 1,371 | ▼ down 24 · -11% births |
| 2021 | #192 | 1,544 | ▼ down 32 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #160 | 1,729 | ▼ down 83 · -54% births |
| 2015 | #77 | 3,746 | ▼ down 41 · -36% births |
| 2010 | #36 | 5,896 | ▼ down 12 · -32% births |
| 2005 | #24 | 8,672 | ▼ down 14 · -42% births |
| 2000 | #10 | 15,078 | ▼ down 4 · -26% births |
| 1995 | #6 | 20,425 | ▲ up 40 · +181% births |
| 1990 | #46 | 7,258 | ▲ up 199 · +591% births |
| 1985 | #245 | 1,051 | ▲ up 469 · +347% births |
| 1980 | #714 | 235 | ▲ up 1522 · +535% births |
| 1975 | #2236 | 37 | ▲ up 979 · +85% births |
| 1970 | #3215 | 20 | ▲ up 3356 · +300% births |
| 1965 | #6571 | 5 | — |
The story of Taylor
Taylor entered American naming records in 1951 and has been in use for over 73 years. It peaked at #6 in 1994, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 435,525 babies have been named Taylor since 1951. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3940 in 1960 to #260 in 2023. Taylor is used for both genders: 74% female and 26% male.
Names that peaked alongside Taylor in 1994:
Taylor by decade
Taylor peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 276 | |
| 1890s | 264 | |
| 1900s | 282 | |
| 1910s | 882 | |
| 1920s | 976 | |
| 1930s | 730 | |
| 1940s | 772 | |
| 1950s | 898 | |
| 1960s | 1,064 | |
| 1970s | 2,871 | |
| 1980s | 33,031 | |
| 1990s ★ | 227,410 | |
| 2000s | 118,619 | |
| 2010s | 45,265 | |
| 2020s | 2,185 | |
What are good nicknames for Taylor?
What names sound and feel like Taylor?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Taylor also consider these
Gender variants of Taylor
Common questions about the name Taylor
What does the name Taylor mean?
Taylor means "to cut or to tailor" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Taylor?
Taylor is currently ranked #260 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Taylor?
Taylor originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Taylor?
Taylor is a two-syllable name pronounced T EY1 L ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Taylor more of a girl or boy name?
Taylor is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.