Skylar Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SKY-lar //ˈskaɪ.lər//
Origin: English; Dutch
Meaning: English: scholar; Dutch: shelter
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Skylar has its roots in the Dutch surname Schuyler, which means "scholar" or "scholarly". The surname was derived from the Middle Dutch word "schuyl", meaning "to shelter" or "to protect", and was used to denote a person who was a scholar or had a scholarly disposition.
The name made its way into English through the Dutch settlers in America during the 17th century, particularly in New York, which was originally a Dutch colony known as New Amsterdam. Over time, the surname evolved into the given name Skylar, particularly gaining traction as a feminine name in the 20th century.
Historically, the name Schuyler was borne by notable figures, such as Philip Schuyler, a general in the American Revolutionary War and a prominent politician in New York during the 18th century. The Schuyler family was influential in early American history, and their legacy contributed to the name's recognition.
Additionally, the name's association with education and intellect through its etymological roots has made it appealing in various cultural contexts. Culturally, the name Skylar evokes imagery of the sky, which can symbolize freedom, aspiration, and vastness.
This connection to the natural world may enhance its resonance as a name associated with positive attributes. The name has also seen variations and diminutives, such as Sky, which further enrich its usage in different contexts.
Overall, Skylar's journey from a Dutch surname to a contemporary given name reflects a blend of linguistic evolution and cultural significance.
Famous people named Skylar
Fictional characters named Skylar
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Skylar was first seen in the United States in 1974. Skylar has ranked as high as #117 nationally, which occurred in 2015, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Skylar has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Skylar (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 207 | |
| CA | 156 | |
| FL | 153 | |
| NY | 139 | |
| GA | 116 | |
| NC | 114 | |
| PA | 87 | |
| IL | 86 | |
| VA | 70 | |
| OH | 66 | |
| NJ | 58 | |
| TN | 57 | |
| MD | 56 | |
| MA | 52 | |
| AL | 51 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1974 | 6 |
| 1975 | 8 |
| 1976 | 10 |
| 1977 | 11 |
| 1978 | 7 |
| 1979 | 13 |
| 1980 | 11 |
| 1981 | 15 |
| 1982 | 14 |
| 1983 | 14 |
| 1984 | 20 |
| 1985 | 29 |
| 1986 | 61 |
| 1987 | 106 |
| 1988 | 116 |
| 1989 | 127 |
| 1990 | 419 |
| 1991 | 364 |
| 1992 | 413 |
| 1993 | 547 |
| 1994 | 621 |
| 1995 | 685 |
| 1996 | 855 |
| 1997 | 953 |
| 1998 | 1,731 |
| 1999 | 2,513 |
| 2000 | 2,503 |
| 2001 | 2,344 |
| 2002 | 2,391 |
| 2003 | 2,305 |
| 2004 | 2,176 |
| 2005 | 2,241 |
| 2006 | 2,352 |
| 2007 | 2,060 |
| 2008 | 1,750 |
| 2009 | 1,774 |
| 2010 | 1,723 |
| 2011 | 2,161 |
| 2012 | 3,348 |
| 2013 | 3,789 |
| 2014 | 4,778 |
| 2015 | 5,294 |
| 2016 | 5,134 |
| 2017 | 4,736 |
| 2018 | 4,407 |
| 2019 | 4,049 |
| 2020 | 3,640 |
| 2021 | 3,346 |
| 2022 | 2,892 |
| 2023 | 2,537 |
| 2024 | 2,186 |