Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Skylar
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), Dutch· “scholar; respelling of Schuyler”
- Meaning
- scholar; respelling of Schuyler
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Dutch
- Pronunciation
- SKY-lur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #167
- US babies 2025
- 1,818
- Best rank
- #42 (2015)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Skylar
Skylar is an American (modern coinage) and Dutch name that is usually said to mean “scholar; respelling of Schuyler”.
Skylar is an English respelling of the Dutch surname Schuyler, which means scholar. The Schuyler family was prominent in colonial New York, including General Philip Schuyler, a figure of the American Revolution. The spelling Skylar makes the pronunciation clear and adds an association with the sky, which has helped its popularity. It is used for both boys and girls, though more often for girls in the United States. The name feels airy, modern and upbeat. Sky is an easy nickname, and Skyler and Schuyler remain common.
Popularity over time
Skylar first appears in US Social Security records in 1974. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 36 different years, starting in 1990. Its best national rank was #42 in 2015, the same year it reached its highest count of 5,295 babies. In 2025, 1,818 babies were named Skylar, and it ranked #167 nationally. That is 66% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #6,266 in 1980, #135 in 2000, #180 in 2010, and #167 in 2025. Of the 87,442 US girls named Skylar since records began, 45% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 21,898 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Arianna, Claire, Paisley, Ariana, and Audrey.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Skylar ranked highest in Mississippi, Maryland, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #76 | 28 |
| Maryland | #87 | 48 |
| Georgia | #88 | 95 |
| New Hampshire | #93 | 13 |
| West Virginia | #97 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 90% of US babies named Skylar over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Skylar is usually pronounced SKY-lur, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with S and ends in “-ar”.
Middle names for Skylar
A few middle names that flow with Skylar: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Skylar
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Lists that include Skylar
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Skylar mean?
Skylar is an American (modern coinage) and Dutch name that is usually said to mean “scholar; respelling of Schuyler”.
What is the origin of the name Skylar?
Skylar has modern American and Dutch roots. Skylar is an English respelling of the Dutch surname Schuyler, which means scholar.
Is Skylar a popular name?
Yes. Skylar ranked #167 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Skylar a boy or girl name?
Skylar is mainly a girl's name. About 90% of US babies named Skylar over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Skylar?
Skylar is usually pronounced SKY-lur. 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