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Taylor

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Search records for the surname Taylor across MyHeritage's database of 35.7 billion historical records

Search records for the surname Taylor across MyHeritage's database of 35.7 billion historical records
Origin and meaning of the Taylor last nameOrigin and meaning of the Taylor last name

Origin and meaning of the Taylor last name

The surname Taylor has its roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old French word tailleur, meaning to cut, which referred to a tailor or someone who made garments. The name first appeared in the 12th century, particularly in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many French words entered the English language. As a surname, Taylor was occupational, denoting individuals who worked as tailors, a vital profession in society as clothing was a significant marker of status and identity. Over time, the surname evolved, with its bearers often associated with craftsmanship, trade, and the burgeoning urban centers of medieval England, where tailors played a crucial role in the economy. Culturally and geographically, the surname Taylor has numerous variations, including Tailor, Tayler, and Teylor, reflecting regional dialects and linguistic shifts. The spelling and pronunciation have evolved, particularly as the name spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, often through migration during the 19th and 20th centuries. In some regions, the surname has taken on additional meanings or connotations, sometimes associated with nobility or landownership, particularly in the context of notable families. The Taylor name has also been linked to various cultural figures and events, such as the American President Zachary Taylor and the influential Taylor family in the arts and sciences, which have contributed to the surname's prominence and recognition across different communities and historical periods.
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Where is the Taylor family from?

Trace the Taylor family's migration over time through census records. The Taylor surname appears in censuses from the following countries: USA, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia between 1830 and 1950. The majority of Taylor families were found in census records from USA in 1930.
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Famous and notable people throughout history with the last name Taylor

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What types of historical records can you find for the Taylor family?

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What did the Taylor family do for a living?

Top Male Occupations in 1910
Laborer
35%
Clerk
20%
Carpenter
8%
Driver
7%
Top Female Occupations in 1910
Clerk
26%
Teacher
16%
Stenographer
16%
Cook
12%
The top reported professions for Taylor men and women from the United States in 1910 were laborer and clerk. 35% of men with the last name Taylor worked as laborers and 26% of women with the last name Taylor worked as a clerk.
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