Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Taylor
GirlEnglish, French· “tailor”
- Meaning
- tailor
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- TAY-lur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #403
- US babies 2025
- 772
- Best rank
- #6 (1994)
- Peak year
- 1993
Meaning and origin of Taylor
Taylor is an English and French name that means “tailor”.
Taylor is an English occupational surname for a tailor, from the Old French tailleur, meaning cutter. It is one of the most common surnames in England, and it has been used as a first name for both boys and girls. In the United States it became especially popular for daughters toward the end of the twentieth century, while remaining in use for sons. Its appeal comes from a crisp, professional sound and an easy two-syllable rhythm. It suits many surnames and feels neither too formal nor too casual. Tay is the short form, though most people use the full name.
Other spellings with the same sound: Tayler, Tailor.
Popularity over time
Taylor first appears in US Social Security records in 1951. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 47 different years, starting in 1979. Its best national rank was #6 in 1994, and the most babies received it in 1993, when 21,270 were named Taylor. In 2025, 772 babies were named Taylor, and it ranked #403 nationally. That is 79% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #715 in 1980, #10 in 2000, #37 in 2010, and #403 in 2025. Of the 330,145 US girls named Taylor since records began, 51% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 100,999 babies. Since 2010, 45,731 more have been named Taylor.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Chelsea, Victoria, Jasmine, Kelsey, and Alexandra.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Taylor ranked highest in District of Columbia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #116 | 7 |
| Alabama | #189 | 24 |
| Mississippi | #195 | 14 |
| Louisiana | #253 | 18 |
| North Carolina | #310 | 36 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 84% of US babies named Taylor over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Taylor is usually pronounced TAY-lur, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with T and ends in “-or”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Tayler and Tailor.
Middle names for Taylor
A few middle names that flow with Taylor: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Taylor
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Lists that include Taylor
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Taylor mean?
Taylor is an English and French name that means “tailor”.
What is the origin of the name Taylor?
Taylor has English and French roots. Taylor is an English occupational surname for a tailor, from the Old French tailleur, meaning cutter.
Is Taylor a popular name?
Yes. Taylor ranked #403 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Taylor a boy or girl name?
Taylor is mainly a girl's name. About 84% of US babies named Taylor over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Taylor?
Taylor is usually pronounced TAY-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