Origin & Meaning of the Taylor Surname
What does the last name Taylor mean?
The surname Taylor carries the meaning "Occupational name for a tailor of garments." It is derived from the Old French/English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 751,209 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Taylor ranks as the #17 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Taylor come from?
The Taylor surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Taylor name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Taylor trace back to Old French/English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Taylor |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a tailor of garments |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old French/English |
| US Rank (2010) | #17 |
| US Count (2010) | 751,209 |
| Per 100K People | 254.67 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Taylor
According to the US Census, the Taylor surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 751,209 Americans with the Taylor last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 65.38% |
| Black | 28.42% |
| Hispanic | 2.46% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Native American | 0.76% |
| Two or More Races | 2.41% |
Popularity of Taylor Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Taylor surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Taylor surname increased by 30,839 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Taylor
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