Taylor

Origin and Meaning
Taylor is a prominent British surname that has its origins in medieval England. The name is derived from the Old French word "taillour," which means tailor. In medieval times, tailors were highly skilled craftsmen who were responsible for making and altering clothes. The surname Taylor was likely used to denote someone who worked as a tailor or was related to a tailor in some way.

Distribution and Popularity
The surname Taylor is one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world. It is particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the UK, Taylor is among the top 10 most common surnames.

Famous Bearers
The Taylor surname has been borne by numerous notable individuals throughout history. Some famous bearers of the Taylor surname include:

  • Elizabeth Taylor - British-American actress and humanitarian, known for her iconic film roles.
  • Zachary Taylor - 12th President of the United States, a career military officer who served in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War.
  • Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson - British Paralympic athlete and politician, known for her achievements in wheelchair racing.

Variations and Derivatives
Various spelling variations of the Taylor surname exist, including Tayler, Tailor, and Taylour. These variations may have emerged over time due to differences in regional accents, dialects, and clerical errors.

Coat of Arms
The Taylor family crest typically features symbols associated with craftsmanship, such as a needle and thread or a representation of a tailor's tools. The coat of arms may vary depending on the specific branch of the Taylor family.

Modern Significance
In modern times, individuals with the surname Taylor continue to make notable contributions in various fields, including arts, sports, business, and politics. The surname remains a common and recognizable part of British and English-speaking society.

There are approximately 342,686 people named Taylor in the UK. That makes it the 5th most common surname in Britain. Around 5,262 in a million people in Britain are named Taylor.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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