Taylor Surname

A Fun, Fact-Filled Look at the Meaning and Origin of the
Taylor Surname

Taylor Name Meaning

The Taylor surname is an occupational name for a tailor, derived from the Anglo-Norman French Middle English term taillour, which means ‘tailor’. This term is rooted in the Old French words tailleor or tailleur and the Late Latin term taliator, which means ‘to cut’.

Taylor Last Name Variations

Virtually all surnames have developed phonetic and spelling variations over many centuries in many countries. A person’s last name was often spelled however it sounded to the person recording it.

When you’re researching your branch of the Taylor family tree, you may find that your ancestors used one or more of these variations of the Taylor surname: Talar, Tailor, Tallur, Telore, Talhar, Teylor, Tylor, Thelor, Tallar, Talor, Tailar, Talur, Talare, Telor, Talyor.

Here are some equivalents of the Taylor surname in different languages, based on the translation of the word “tailor:”

• French: Tailleur
• Italian: Sarto
• Spanish: Sastre
• German: Schneider
• Dutch: Snijder
• Portuguese: Alfaiate
• Polish: Krawiec
• Russian: Портной (Portnoy)
• Swedish: Skräddare
• Hungarian: Szabó
• Arab: Khayat

Taylor Last Name Origin

The earliest origins of the last name Taylor can be found in England, Scotland, and Ireland. The name was traditionally given to individuals who worked as tailors, crafting and mending garments.

Taylor Surname in England

In England, the earliest known Taylor is believed to be Adam de Tailour, who was recorded in Nottinghamshire in 1282. John Taylor, born in Homestall, Shadochurst, Kent, England, in 1327, was another early bearer of the name.

By the 19th century, the majority of Taylors were located in Lancashire and Yorkshire. Castles, estates, and manors held by Taylor families can still be found in England to this day.

Taylor Surname in Scotland

In Scotland, Clan Tailyour, also known as Clan Taylor, is a recognized clan without a current chief, making it an armigerous clan. The surname Taylor is also a sept of the Clan Cameron of the Scottish Highlands. 

During the Wars of Scottish Independence, Bryce le Taillur was captured at Dunbar Castle in 1296. In the same year, six people with this last name appear on the Ragman Rolls, pledging allegiance to Edward I of England.

In the 18th century, the Taylors held a castle at Kirktonhill in Aberdeenshire thanks to their wealth from Jamaican sugar plantations. The castle was later replaced by Kirktonhill House, a mansion that was demolished in the 1960s. 

Taylor Surname in Ireland

In Ireland, the first recorded instance of the Taylor surname can be traced back to the Taylors of Swords, a small town in County Dublin. This family is believed to have established their roots in Ireland as early as the 1300s. The progenitor of the family is said to have arrived from Yorkshire, England, marking the beginning of the Taylor lineage in Ireland.

In the 1650s, Thomas Taylor arrived from Sussex to oversee the fiscal expenditures of Cromwell’s campaign in Ireland. His descendants later became baronets at Kells in Meath.

Taylor Surname Geography

The Taylor surname currently ranks as the 345th most common last name in the world and can be found in more than 200 countries. It’s estimated that over 1.5 million people bear the last name Taylor.

Predominantly, the name is found in the United States, where it is held by almost 900,000 people. The distribution within the country shows the most Taylors in Texas (10%), California (8%), and Florida (5%).

The Taylor surname is also prevalent in England, where about 19% of all Taylors live, and Australia, which is home to 6% of individuals with this last name.

Taylor Marquessates

A marquess or marchioness is a noble or honorific status that is either inherited or bestowed. It is a rank in the British peerage system, above an earl and below a duke. Historically, marquesses and marchionesses were responsible for the defense of vast border territories, which often made them powerful figures. They often hold multiple subsidiary titles, such as earl or viscount, which are used by their heirs apparent. When directly addressing a Marquess or a Marchioness, you would use “Lord” or “Lady” respectively, followed by their surname.

The title Marquess of Headfort in the Peerage of Ireland was created in 1800 for Thomas Taylor (1757-1829), an Irish peer and politician. Thomas held several subsidiary titles, including Earl of Bective and Viscount Headfort. From 1812 to 1829, he served as Lord of the Bedchamber, a courtier in the Royal Household of the Kingdom of England. He descended from Thomas Taylor, who came to Ireland during the 1650s from Sussex, England. The family seat, Headfort House, was located near Kells, County Meath, in Ireland.

The 1st Marquess was succeeded by his son, the 2nd Marquess, who changed the family surname to Taylour. As of 2023, the family titles are held by Thomas Michael Ronald Christopher Taylour (b. 1959), the 7th Marquess of Headfort.

Taylor Baronies

A baron or baroness is a noble or honorific status that is either inherited or bestowed. It refers to someone who is below a duke, marquess, earl, and viscount but above a lord and knight. “My Lord” or “Your Lordship” is used when directly addressing a baron. “My Lady” or “Your Ladyship” is used when directly addressing a baroness.

Hereditary baronies held by people with the last name Taylor include:

Baron Grantchester, of Knightsbridge in the City of Westminster: Created in the Peerage of the United Kingdom in 1953 for Alfred Suenson-Taylor (1893-1976), a banker and Liberal politician. The title is currently held by the 3rd Baron, Christopher John Suenson-Taylor (b. 1951), who is one of the 92 elected hereditary peers allowed to remain in the House of Lords. According to the Sunday Times Rich List, he has a net worth of £1.2 billion. The family seat is located near Audlem, Cheshire.

Baron Maenan, of Ellesmere in the County of Shropshire: Created in 1948 for William Francis Kyffin Taylor (1854-1951), a prominent English barrister and judge. William held various legal and judicial positions, including Presiding Judge of the Court of Passage, between 1903 and 1948. He was made a peer at the age of 93, making him the oldest person ever to be made a peer. The title became extinct upon his death in 1951, as he had no male heir.

Taylor Baronetcies

A baronet is someone who has received a baronetcy, a hereditary title from the British Crown. They rank below barons but above knights, with the exception of the Knights of the Garter in England and The Order of the Thistle in Scotland. Baronets are addressed as “Sir (forename),” and their wives are addressed as “Lady (surname).”

There have been five baronetcies created for persons with the surname Taylor, one in the Baronetage of England, one in the Baronetage of Great Britain, and three in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom. Only one creation is extant, or still in existence, as of 2011.

Taylor Baronetcy, of Park House in the County of Kent: This baronetcy was created in 1665 for Thomas Taylor (1630-1665).

Taylor Baronetcy, of Lysson Hall in the County of Surrey: This baronetcy was created in 1778 for Simon Richard Brissett Taylor (1783-1815), a wealthy sugar planter in Jamaica. Simon Taylor was known for his significant wealth, which he accumulated through his sugar plantations. He was also a Member of the Assembly in Jamaica, where he was a prominent figure. The title became extinct in 1815.

Taylor Baronetcy, of Hollycombe in the County of Sussex: This baronetcy was created in 1828 for Charles William Taylor (1770-1857), who served for many years as Member of Parliament for Wells. The title became extinct in 1876.

Taylor Baronetcy of Kennington in the County of London (later Stuart Taylor Baronetcy): This baronetcy was created in 1917 for the prominent physician Frederick Taylor (1847–1920), who was President of the Royal College of Physicians. He was succeeded by his son, who changed the family surname to Stuart Taylor. The title is currently held by his grandson, Sir Nicholas Richard Stuart Taylor (b. 1952).

Taylor Baronetcy, of Cawthorne in the West Riding of the County of York: This baronetcy was created in 1963 for William Johnson Taylor (1902–1972), Member of Parliament for Bradford North. The title became extinct in 1972.

Taylors That Shaped History

George Taylor: Founding Father of the United States

George Taylor (c. 1716-1781), a Pennsylvania politician, was one of the signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Born in Ireland, Taylor immigrated to the American colonies where he worked in the iron industry before entering politics. Despite his humble beginnings, Taylor rose to become a member of the Continental Congress, contributing to the founding of the United States. His signature on the Declaration of Independence, a document that has shaped the course of history, is a testament to his commitment to the cause of American independence.

Jane Taylor: Author of One of the Most Popular Children’s Poems in History

Jane Taylor (1783-1824), a renowned English poet and novelist, is most famously recognized for penning the lyrics to the song “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Although she wrote a range of works, including several books for children, it is this simple poem that has had the most enduring impact. First published in 1806, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” has been translated into numerous languages and is sung by children around the world.

Zachary Taylor: President of the United States

Zachary Taylor (1784-1850), the 12th President of the United States, was a national war hero who won major victories during the Mexican-American War. His military success earned him the nickname “Old Rough and Ready,” and his popularity as a war hero helped him win the presidency. Although his time in office was cut short by his sudden death in 1850, his decisive actions during the early days of his presidency, particularly his firm stance against the expansion of slavery into new territories, had a significant impact on the nation.

John Taylor: Inventor of a Beloved Food Item

John Taylor (1837-1909), the founder of Taylor Provisions Company and creator of “Taylor Ham,” revolutionized the American food industry. His innovative approach to food processing led to the creation of one of the first ready-to-eat meat products, which remains a beloved staple in many households, particularly in New Jersey. Taylor’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality have left a lasting legacy in the food industry, and his product continues to be enjoyed by millions of people today.

Claudia Taylor (aka Lady Bird Johnson): First Lady of the United States

Lady Bird Johnson (born Claudia Alta Taylor, 1912-2007), wife of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, served as the First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969. She was a passionate advocate for beautifying the nation’s cities and highways, leading to the Highway Beautification Act in 1965. This legislation, often referred to as “Lady Bird’s Bill,” regulated billboards and provided funding for the planting of wildflowers along highways. Furthermore, she played a crucial role in advocating for the Head Start program, a scheme that offers early childhood education, health services, and nutrition for families with low income. Her efforts have had a lasting impact on American landscapes and on the lives of countless children.

Elizabeth Taylor: Legendary Actress and Activist

Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011) was a legendary actress and a symbol of Hollywood glamour. With a career spanning over six decades, she starred in more than 50 films, winning two Academy Awards for Best Actress. Taylor was known for her beauty, talent, and tumultuous personal life, which included eight marriages. However, her legacy extends beyond her acting career. She was a dedicated activist, using her fame to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS at a time when it was stigmatized and misunderstood. Her charitable work, particularly the establishment of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, has had a significant impact on the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Phil Taylor: 16-Time World Darts Champion

Phil Taylor (b. 1960), an English darts player, is widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of the sport. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, Taylor’s exceptional skill and competitive spirit led him to win an unprecedented 16 World Championships. Known for his precision and consistency, Taylor has set numerous records, including the highest televised three-dart average and the most perfect “nine-dart finishes.” Phil holds the distinction of being the first darts player to accumulate over £1 million in prize winnings. Over the years, he has made appearances on numerous BBC television programs.

Lawrence Taylor: One of the Greatest Defensive Football Players of All Time

Born in 1959, Lawrence Julius Taylor, also known as “L.T.”, is a celebrated former American football player. He devoted his entire professional career to playing as an outside linebacker for the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL) from 1981 to 1993. He is often considered one of the most exceptional defensive players in history. The esteemed football coach and broadcaster, John Madden, once remarked, “Lawrence Taylor, defensively, has had as big an impact as any player I’ve ever seen. He changed the way defense is played, the way pass-rushing is played, the way linebackers play, and the way offenses block linebackers.” In 1999, Taylor was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Places Named Taylor in America

• Taylor, Alabama
• Taylor, Alaska
• Taylor, Arizona
• Taylor, Arkansas
• Taylor, California
• Taylor, Florida
• Taylor, Idaho
• Taylor, Illinois
• Taylor, Indiana
• Taylor, Iowa
• Taylor, Louisiana
• Taylor, Maryland
• Taylor, Michigan
• Taylor, Mississippi
• Taylor, Missouri
• Taylor, Nebraska
• Taylor, New York
• Taylor, North Dakota
• Taylor, Oklahoma
• Taylor, Pennsylvania
• Taylor, Tennessee
• Taylor, Texas
• Taylor, Utah
• Taylor, Virginia
• Taylor, West Virginia
• Taylor, Wisconsin

Places Named Taylor Outside America

• Taylor, Bong, Liberia
• Taylor, Northern Samar, Philippines
• Taylor, Queensland, Australia
• Taylor, British Columbia, Canada

Taylor DNA Project

The Taylor Family Genes Project, started in late 2003, has grown to over 1,700 members. The project focuses on the genetic lineage of individuals with the surname Taylor, but also includes members who may be biologically related to Taylors without carrying the surname, as well as individuals named Taylor whose ancestors may have had other names. The project administrators provide assistance to members on understanding Y-DNA match results and encourage members to communicate with their matches as part of their own research.

Taylor Ancestry Resources

1. The general armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales: Comprising a registry of armorial bearings from the earliest to the present time. London: Harrison.
2. “The Peerage – Index to Baronets.”
3. “Baronetage.” Leigh Rayment’s Peerage Page.
4. “Taylor Surname Descendants of John Taylor Born 1327 Kent England and Margaret Welmote Prepared Dec 27, 2009.” Scribd.
5. Coventry, Martin. Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans. Goblinshead, 2008.
6. Genealogy.com: Taylor Family Genealogy Forum