Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Gaylord
BoyFrench, English· “high-spirited”
- Meaning
- high-spirited
- Origin
- French, English
- Pronunciation
- GAY-lord
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- Unranked
- US babies 2025
- 0
- Best rank
- #438 (1931)
- Peak year
- 1931
Meaning and origin of Gaylord
Gaylord is a French and English name that is usually said to mean “high-spirited”.
Gaylord is an English surname from the Old French gaillard, high-spirited, lively or bold. It became a first name in the United States in the nineteenth century and was used for boys through the early twentieth century, often to honor a family surname. In modern English the first syllable is heard differently than it once was, which has made the name less common. It is said GAY-lord. Gaylord has a formal, old-fashioned sound with a lively meaning.
Popularity over time
Gaylord first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 65 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #438 in 1931, the same year it reached its highest count of 168 babies. It did not appear in the 2025 data, which only lists names given to at least five babies.
Its national rank moved from #548 in 1920, #708 in 1950, and #3,702 in 1980. Of the 6,086 US boys named Gaylord since records began, 21% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 1,263 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Alford, Darold, Donal, Werner, and Garner.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Gaylord is usually pronounced GAY-lord, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with G and ends in “-rd”.
Middle names for Gaylord
A few middle names that flow with Gaylord: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Gaylord
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Lists that include Gaylord
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gaylord mean?
Gaylord is a French and English name that is usually said to mean “high-spirited”.
What is the origin of the name Gaylord?
Gaylord has French and English roots. Gaylord is an English surname from the Old French gaillard, high-spirited, lively or bold.
Is Gaylord a popular name?
No. Gaylord was not recorded for five or more babies of its most common sex in 2025, so it is rare today.
Is Gaylord a boy or girl name?
Gaylord is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Gaylord?
Gaylord is usually pronounced GAY-lord. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings