Taylor
TAY-ler
Taylor is an occupational surname derived from the Anglo-French taillour, meaning “cutter of cloth.” As a given name, it became one of the defining crossover names of the 1990s, used for both boys and girls before settling firmly on the feminine side.
The name’s peak was extraordinary: No. 6 in 1994 for girls, making it one of the most popular American names of the decade. At its height, over 18,000 girls received the name in a single year.
The decline has been long and steep. Taylor ranked No. 353 in 2024 with 877 births, a fraction of its 1990s dominance. From No. 77 in 2015 to its current position, the name has shed over 275 spots in under a decade.
What the name Taylor means
Singer Taylor Swift (born 1989, at the name’s zenith) has been its most visible bearer, though even her global fame has not reversed the downward trend.
This illustrates how generational naming cycles can outweigh even the strongest celebrity associations.
At 2 syllables, Taylor has a clean, unisex efficiency. The occupational origin gives it a down-to-earth quality that contrasts with more ornamental choices.
As a name that once ranked No. 46, Taylor carries strong 1990s associations for many adults.
For parents today, that very familiarity may be either a comfort or a deterrent - but the name’s fundamental qualities of simplicity and strength remain intact.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Taylor
Taylor - similar names
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