Baylor Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: BAY-lor //ˈbeɪlər//
Origin: English; French
Meaning: English: one who delivers; French: a person who lives near a river
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Baylor has its roots in the Old French word "baillour," which means "to deliver" or "to govern." This term was derived from the Latin "bajulus," meaning "carrier" or "one who carries." The name made its way into English during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when many Old French terms were adopted into the English language. As a surname, Baylor was historically used to denote someone who held a position of authority or responsibility, particularly in relation to governance or stewardship.
In terms of historical milestones, the name Baylor can be traced back to various notable figures and families in England. One significant point of reference is the Baylor family in the 16th century, who were landowners and influential in their local communities.
The name has also been associated with various institutions, such as Baylor University, founded in 1845 in Texas, which contributed to the name's recognition in American culture. The university was named after Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor, a prominent figure in the early Texas Republic, further embedding the name in the historical narrative of the region.
Culturally, the name Baylor carries connotations of leadership and responsibility, reflecting its etymological roots. It has been embraced in various contexts, including academia and athletics, often symbolizing strength and integrity.
The name's association with educational institutions has helped to maintain its relevance over the centuries. Additionally, diminutive forms or variations of the name, while not as commonly referenced, may include "Bay" or "Baye," which can evoke a sense of familiarity and affection.
Overall, Baylor's historical and cultural significance is rooted in its linguistic origins and the notable figures who have borne the name.
Famous people named Baylor
In this section, you will find notable people named Baylor. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Baylor who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Baylor who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Baylor Wilson is a singer-songwriter best known for her singles and performances in country music.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Baylor, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Baylor. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Baylor was first seen in the United States in 1918.
Baylor has ranked as high as #616 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana.
In the past 5 years the name Baylor has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Baylor is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Baylor was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Baylor (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| AL | 72 | |
| OH | 49 | |
| TN | 47 | |
| TX | 46 | |
| LA | 44 | |
| GA | 43 | |
| MO | 41 | |
| MS | 37 | |
| IN | 36 | |
| UT | 35 | |
| NC | 34 | |
| NE | 30 | |
| KY | 29 | |
| FL | 28 | |
| OK | 28 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Baylor.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 903 |
| 2023 | 814 |
| 2022 | 816 |
| 2021 | 760 |
| 2020 | 648 |
| 2019 | 474 |
| 2018 | 351 |
| 2017 | 310 |
| 2016 | 341 |
| 2015 | 280 |
| 2014 | 218 |
| 2013 | 183 |
| 2012 | 195 |
| 2011 | 143 |
| 2010 | 161 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2008 | 140 |
| 2007 | 130 |
| 2006 | 115 |
| 2005 | 114 |
| 2004 | 118 |
| 2003 | 127 |
| 2002 | 90 |
| 2001 | 82 |
| 2000 | 108 |
| 1999 | 75 |
| 1998 | 64 |
| 1997 | 53 |
| 1996 | 54 |
| 1995 | 39 |
| 1994 | 27 |
| 1993 | 26 |
| 1992 | 15 |
| 1991 | 11 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1989 | 7 |
| 1988 | 5 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1946 | 5 |
| 1924 | 6 |
| 1922 | 9 |
| 1921 | 6 |
| 1918 | 5 |