Taylor is an occupational surname associated with cloth-cutting and garment-making trades. It became hereditary in Britain and later spread globally.
Meaning and Origin
The surname derives from Anglo-Norman and Old French forms connected to the tailoring occupation. As with many medieval trade names, it stabilized as a family surname over time.
Geographic Distribution
Taylor is very common in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Historical Records and Context
Documentary records include many medieval and early modern spellings before standardization. The surname became especially widespread through migration across the British Empire and the Atlantic world.
Spelling Variants
- Tayler
- Tailor
- Tailleor
Notable People
- Elizabeth Taylor (actor)
- Zachary Taylor (US president)