The name Taylor has a distinct ring to it, evoking a sense of both tradition and modern appeal. How popular is the name Taylor, and what makes it such a compelling choice for parents? Let’s delve into the meaning, history, and trends surrounding this versatile name.
The Allure of Taylor: Meaning and Origin
Taylor is an English occupational surname that has transitioned into a popular given name. Its meaning is straightforward: "tailor," referring to someone who makes or repairs clothing. This connection to craftsmanship lends the name an air of skill, precision, and attention to detail. The origin is primarily English, stemming from the Middle Ages when surnames were increasingly used to identify individuals by their trade.
Taylor Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
To understand Taylor‘s journey through time, let’s examine its popularity trends. The data below reveals its ranking, the number of births, and the percentage of births for each year:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 466 | 11 | 0.0031% |
| 1911 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1912 | 511 | 28 | 0.0056% |
| 1913 | 464 | 48 | 0.0085% |
| 1914 | 543 | 49 | 0.007% |
| 1915 | 513 | 82 | 0.009% |
| 1916 | 547 | 71 | 0.0073% |
| 1917 | 558 | 75 | 0.0075% |
| 1918 | 507 | 102 | 0.0095% |
| 1919 | 537 | 89 | 0.0085% |
| 1920 | 655 | 59 | 0.0053% |
| 1921 | 652 | 63 | 0.0055% |
| 1922 | 673 | 57 | 0.0051% |
| 1923 | 631 | 66 | 0.0059% |
| 1924 | 605 | 76 | 0.0065% |
| 1925 | 709 | 47 | 0.0042% |
| 1926 | 650 | 59 | 0.0054% |
| 1927 | 714 | 47 | 0.0042% |
| 1928 | 700 | 46 | 0.0043% |
| 1929 | 687 | 47 | 0.0045% |
| 1930 | 774 | 34 | 0.0033% |
| 1931 | 922 | 19 | 0.0019% |
| 1932 | 749 | 36 | 0.0036% |
| 1933 | 814 | 25 | 0.0027% |
| 1934 | 717 | 35 | 0.0036% |
| 1935 | 659 | 45 | 0.0046% |
| 1936 | 718 | 34 | 0.0035% |
| 1937 | 668 | 42 | 0.0043% |
| 1938 | 708 | 37 | 0.0036% |
| 1939 | 953 | 14 | 0.0014% |
| 1940 | 737 | 35 | 0.0033% |
| 1941 | 847 | 24 | 0.0021% |
| 1942 | 882 | 22 | 0.0017% |
| 1943 | 748 | 38 | 0.0029% |
| 1944 | 929 | 18 | 0.0015% |
| 1945 | 724 | 35 | 0.0029% |
| 1946 | 765 | 37 | 0.0025% |
| 1947 | 872 | 29 | 0.0017% |
| 1948 | 851 | 28 | 0.0018% |
| 1949 | 740 | 49 | 0.003% |
| 1950 | 825 | 33 | 0.002% |
| 1951 | 1100 | 13 | 0.0008% |
| 1952 | 701 | 59 | 0.0034% |
| 1953 | 751 | 51 | 0.0029% |
| 1954 | 854 | 36 | 0.002% |
| 1955 | 1007 | 22 | 0.0012% |
| 1956 | 901 | 32 | 0.0017% |
| 1957 | 788 | 48 | 0.0025% |
| 1958 | 918 | 30 | 0.0016% |
| 1959 | 807 | 47 | 0.0025% |
| 1960 | 812 | 47 | 0.0025% |
| 1961 | 804 | 50 | 0.0026% |
| 1962 | 894 | 34 | 0.0019% |
| 1963 | 822 | 44 | 0.0025% |
| 1964 | 791 | 52 | 0.003% |
| 1965 | 889 | 30 | 0.0018% |
| 1966 | 787 | 44 | 0.0028% |
| 1967 | 846 | 36 | 0.0024% |
| 1968 | 669 | 78 | 0.0052% |
| 1969 | 828 | 46 | 0.003% |
| 1970 | 778 | 67 | 0.0042% |
| 1971 | 721 | 81 | 0.0054% |
| 1972 | 778 | 61 | 0.0045% |
| 1973 | 722 | 77 | 0.0059% |
| 1974 | 621 | 122 | 0.0094% |
| 1975 | 642 | 116 | 0.009% |
| 1976 | 538 | 181 | 0.014% |
| 1977 | 445 | 276 | 0.0205% |
| 1978 | 416 | 308 | 0.0229% |
| 1979 | 385 | 405 | 0.0287% |
| 1980 | 310 | 584 | 0.0399% |
| 1981 | 274 | 732 | 0.0498% |
| 1982 | 241 | 923 | 0.0618% |
| 1983 | 217 | 1026 | 0.0695% |
| 1984 | 178 | 1402 | 0.0942% |
| 1985 | 152 | 1790 | 0.1179% |
| 1986 | 135 | 2022 | 0.134% |
| 1987 | 117 | 2427 | 0.159% |
| 1988 | 91 | 3481 | 0.2234% |
| 1989 | 72 | 4856 | 0.3009% |
| 1990 | 64 | 6576 | 0.3968% |
| 1991 | 52 | 7967 | 0.4888% |
| 1992 | 52 | 8240 | 0.5162% |
| 1993 | 51 | 7688 | 0.4931% |
| 1994 | 54 | 6624 | 0.4316% |
| 1995 | 69 | 5519 | 0.3662% |
| 1996 | 82 | 4794 | 0.3202% |
| 1997 | 87 | 4332 | 0.2929% |
| 1998 | 104 | 3575 | 0.2389% |
| 1999 | 120 | 3065 | 0.2047% |
| 2000 | 136 | 2849 | 0.1865% |
| 2001 | 164 | 2304 | 0.1529% |
| 2002 | 191 | 1956 | 0.1305% |
| 2003 | 202 | 1813 | 0.1192% |
| 2004 | 216 | 1606 | 0.1054% |
| 2005 | 222 | 1569 | 0.1026% |
| 2006 | 221 | 1620 | 0.1035% |
| 2007 | 247 | 1427 | 0.0904% |
| 2008 | 256 | 1343 | 0.0869% |
| 2009 | 297 | 1076 | 0.072% |
| 2010 | 323 | 943 | 0.0654% |
| 2011 | 331 | 875 | 0.0614% |
| 2012 | 346 | 858 | 0.0602% |
| 2013 | 367 | 802 | 0.0563% |
| 2014 | 428 | 664 | 0.0456% |
| 2015 | 451 | 624 | 0.0429% |
| 2016 | 463 | 616 | 0.0427% |
| 2017 | 495 | 535 | 0.0383% |
| 2018 | 529 | 480 | 0.0349% |
| 2019 | 576 | 426 | 0.0315% |
| 2020 | 597 | 409 | 0.0321% |
| 2021 | 641 | 381 | 0.0312% |
| 2022 | 613 | 414 | 0.0314% |
| 2023 | 586 | 452 | 0.0349% |
From the table, we can see that Taylor‘s popularity dramatically increased in the late 20th century, peaking in the early 1990s. Since then, its popularity has gradually decreased, although it remains a relatively common name.
Names Like Taylor: Exploring Alternatives and Variations
If you’re drawn to Taylor but want to explore similar options, consider these alternatives:
Variants of Taylor:
- Tailer: A straightforward variant.
- Tailor: The original occupational name.
- Tayler: Another common spelling variation.
- Zailor, Zaylor, Zaylour: Less common variations that offer a unique twist.
Names That Sound Like Taylor:
- Talor: Offers a similar sound with a different origin and meaning ("rain" or "dew" in Hebrew).
- Tylor: An English name meaning "a worker in roof tiles".
Similar Names:
- Taylan: A modern-sounding name.
- Tayton: Another modern creation.
Sibling Names for Taylor: Family Connections
Parents who choose the name Taylor often select these names for their other children:
- Boys: Noah, Ezra, Charlie, Josef, Reece, David, Robert, William
- Girls: Aliya, Kylie, Ryann, Isabella, Brielle, Hallie, Grace, Faith, Elizabeth, Marie, Joy, Jordyn, Jubilee
The Enduring Appeal of Taylor
Despite fluctuations in popularity, Taylor remains a name with enduring appeal. Its simple yet strong sound, combined with its connection to craftsmanship, makes it a timeless choice. Whether you’re drawn to its classic roots or its modern versatility, Taylor offers a name with character and charm. The name’s relative neutrality in terms of gender also adds to its appeal in an era where traditional naming conventions are being challenged. This adaptability allows the name to resonate with a wide range of parents seeking a name that is both familiar and flexible.