Taylor

“to cut or to tailor”

England origin · Unisex name

♂ 26% boys♀ 74% girls

#260US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

↓Falling

435.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 1951🏆 28 years in top 1001.16% of births at peak

How to pronounce Taylor

TAY·ler

/ˈteɪ.lɝ/ · stress on TAY · 2 syllables

“to cut or to tailor”

England origin · Unisex name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Taylor right now?

Declining — down 44 spots — currently #260 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#260 · Top 0.19%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Taylor

Best Year1995Rank #6

Peak Count20,425

Average Rank#1122

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1960 - 202316 years

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:

Jessica Ashley Emily Samantha Sarah

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?

Common

TayTaAylor

What names sound and feel like Taylor?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Taylor also consider these

Tayhlor

American · tailor, one who

Naylor

England · one who repairs

Taybor

Hebrew · Hebrew

Tahlor

American · tailor, cloth worker

Saylor

English · boatman or sailor

Tayelor

American · A beloved name

Baylor

American · A beloved name

Talor

English · A beloved name

Gender variants of Taylor

Tayla ENGLISH Tayler ENGLISH

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.