Taylor: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Taylor is a unisex name of English origin, originally an occupational surname meaning "tailor" or "cutter of cloth". Once predominantly male, it became highly popular for girls in the 1990s.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | English (occupational surname) |
| Meaning | Tailor, cutter of cloth |
| Gender | Unisex (originally male, shifted predominantly female in US) |
| Pronunciation | TAY-lər |
Etymology of Taylor
Taylor derives from Middle English taillour, from Old French tailleur, ultimately from Latin taliare meaning "to cut". The name originally denoted someone who worked as a tailor, cutting and sewing garments.
As an occupational surname, Taylor emerged in medieval England when surnames became hereditary. Like other trade names (Smith, Cooper, Miller), it identified a person's profession in their community. The surname was anglicized from the Norman French tailleur following the Norman Conquest of 1066.
The name entered use as a given name in the 20th century, following the broader trend of surnames becoming first names in English-speaking countries.
History of Taylor
Origins and Early Use
Taylor functioned exclusively as a surname from the medieval period through the 19th century. Its use as a given name began gradually in the early 1900s, initially appearing almost exclusively for boys. Early 20th-century usage was sparse, with Taylor rarely appearing in US birth records before the 1960s.
Rise to Popularity
The name's trajectory shifted dramatically in the 1980s and 1990s. Taylor rose from relative obscurity to become one of the most popular names in America, particularly for girls.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | Surname-as-firstname trend gains momentum | Taylor enters Top 1000 for both genders |
| 1990s | Peak of occupational surname names | Female usage surges to #6 (1994), surpassing male usage |
| 2000s | Taylor Swift emerges as cultural icon | Name maintains Top 20 status for girls |
| 2010s-2020s | Gradual decline from peak | Falls to #353 for girls, #667 for boys (2024) |
Modern Usage
Today, Taylor is declining from its 1990s peak but remains in use for both genders. The name is more commonly given to girls in the US, though male usage persists. Current trends favor Taylor as a middle name or surname-style choice for parents seeking a unisex, professional-sounding option.
Gender Shift
Taylor's gender shift occurred primarily in the 1980s-1990s. While the name appeared sporadically for boys since the early 1900s, it remained rare for girls until the 1980s. By 1990, female usage began to overtake male usage, peaking at #6 for girls in 1994 (20,734 births) versus #51 for boys in 1993 (7,687 births).
This shift reflects the broader cultural trend of occupational surnames and traditionally male names being adopted for girls, often retaining an androgynous quality. The name's association with success, professionalism, and gender-neutral identity contributed to its appeal across genders.
Current ratio (2024): Female usage (#353, 877 births) exceeds male usage (#667, 411 births) by roughly 2:1.
Key insight: This name rose because of the 1980s-90s surname-as-firstname trend and cultural preference for unisex occupational names, and has declined as newer naming trends favor more distinctive or international choices.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Taylor when they want to convey professionalism, gender-neutral identity, and approachability, especially in contexts involving modern careers, creative fields, and egalitarian values.
Variants of Taylor
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Taylor | Standard form |
| English | Tailor | Archaic occupational spelling |
| French | Tailleur | Original French surname form |
| German | Schneider | German equivalent (tailor) |
| Italian | Sartori | Italian equivalent (tailor) |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Tay, Taytay, T, Tails
Similar Names
- Tyler - Similar sound and surname-origin pattern
- Skyler - Fellow unisex surname-name from the same era
- Parker - Occupational surname with similar usage trajectory
Taylor Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
For Females:
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | - | - |
| 1920s | - | - |
| 1940s | - | - |
| 1960s | #4147 | 11 |
| 1980s | #716 | 235 |
| 2000s | #10 | 15,080 |
| 2020s | #162 | 1,747 |
| 2024s | #353 | 877 |
Peak: 1994, ranked #6 (20,734 births) Current (2024): #353 (877 births)
For Males:
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #304 | 48 |
| 1920s | #608 | 108 |
| 1940s | #715 | 73 |
| 1960s | #797 | 93 |
| 1980s | #311 | 615 |
| 2000s | #136 | 2,854 |
| 2020s | #593 | 465 |
| 2024s | #667 | 411 |
Peak: 1993, ranked #51 (7,687 births) Current (2024): #667 (411 births)
Trend analysis: Taylor's explosive rise in the 1990s reflected the era's preference for surname-names and unisex options. The decline since the 2000s mirrors broader shifts away from occupational surnames toward more distinctive choices. Taylor Swift's sustained fame has helped maintain visibility but not reversed the overall trend.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Taylor as a Username
Availability
"taylor" as a username is almost universally taken on major platforms due to its peak popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. Availability is extremely limited, requiring variations or additions.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | taylor | Likely unavailable |
| With numbers | taylor99, taylor93 | Gaming, casual platforms |
| Abbreviated | tay, tayl | Social media handles |
| Stylized | xtaylor, taylorx, taylormade | Creative platforms, preserving full name |
Digital Impression
Taylor as an ID tends to project:
- Professionalism - because it evokes workplace surnames and business contexts
- Approachability - because of its soft sound and gender-neutral quality
- Modernity - because it peaked in the 1990s-2000s, associating with millennial identity
Best for: Professional networks (LinkedIn), creative portfolios, and platforms where a relatable, non-exotic identity is valued.
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want to avoid associations with 1990s naming trends.
Is Taylor good for a username?
Taylor works well as a username if you value professionalism, approachability, and gender-neutral identity. However, due to its high popularity during the 1990s-2000s, you will almost certainly need variations like taylor99, taymade, or xtaylor to secure availability on major platforms.
FAQ
What does Taylor mean?
Taylor means "tailor" or "cutter of cloth" from Middle English and Old French occupational origins.
Is Taylor popular?
According to SSA data, Taylor ranks #353 for girls and #667 for boys in the US (2024). It is falling from its 1990s peak but remains in moderate use.
What are nicknames for Taylor?
Common nicknames: Tay, Taytay, T, Tails.
Is Taylor a boy's or girl's name?
Taylor is traditionally a male surname-name but became predominantly female in the US during the 1990s. Today it is used for both genders, with roughly 2:1 female-to-male ratio.
How do you pronounce Taylor?
Taylor is pronounced TAY-lər. The pronunciation is consistent across English-speaking regions.
Is Taylor good for a username?
Taylor works well as a username if you value professionalism and approachability, though availability is extremely limited and will require variation.
Related Names
- Tyler - Similar surname-origin and sound, also unisex
- Parker - Occupational surname with similar usage pattern
- Tay - Shorter form, often preferred for digital IDs due to availability
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026