Surname Naylor - Meaning and Origin
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Naylor: What does the surname Naylor mean?
The surname Naylor is of English origin and is an occupational name, meaning it denotes a particular profession. In this case, it refers to a person who was a "nailer," or someone who made nails. The term derives from the Old English term "Nægelere," which translates directly to "nail maker." During the Middle Ages, when most people did not have specific surnames, individuals were often signified by their jobs. Therefore, a person with this surname likely had ancestors who specialized in this trade. It is also possible that the name could refer to a location or a place where nails were made. Like many occupational names, Naylor would have been used during the medieval period, and its use as a surname indicates that this sort of metalwork was a significant industry at that time.
Order DNA origin analysisNaylor: Where does the name Naylor come from?
The last name Naylor is a fairly common surname throughout the English-speaking world today. It is a primarily British family name dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period, and is particularly associated with the West Midlands region and the West Riding of Yorkshire in Northern England. Today the surname has spread to many other countries, with its presence being especially strong in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
In the US, the state of Ohio has the most significant concentration of Naylor surnames. California follows closely behind, while New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan also hold significant numbers. Those states account for more than 10,000 Naylor families across the country.
Outside of the US and the United Kingdom, the surname is most popular in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Canada, particularly Ontario and British Columbia, have the largest concentration of Naylor families outside of the UK. Australia also has a strong presence for the surname, particularly in the states of Victoria and New South Wales. In both countries, Naylor is the 204th most common surname.
Overall, Naylor is a fairly common surname worldwide, particularly in English-speaking countries. It can be found in surprising numbers, especially in the United States. However, its historical roots lie firmly in England, where it is most strongly represented today.
Variations of the surname Naylor
The surname Naylor is of English origin, with variants such as Nayler, Nailer, Nailar, Naylour, Nateler, Nailor, Naillor, Nailor, Naler, Neller, and Nealer.
Naylor is likely a patronymic name, derived from a personal or ancestor's given name. In patronymic surnames, the beginning of the name changes with each generation, so the spelling could have been altered over time or through various branches of the same family.
Due to the name's popularity, there are several different variants of its spelling. The most common variants are Nailor, Nayler, and Neller. These spellings are often found in early records and are the roots of the southern English spelling. In the north of England, Naylour is the most popular form.
Some other variants of Naylor include Naillor, Naylour, Nateler, Nailer, Nealer, Nailar, and Naler. These variants are fairly uncommon, but can still be found in some records.
Naylor is not only a common surname, but is also a spelling of several other surnames as well. These include the Scottish surname Neilson and the French surname Nayl. In Irish records, Naylor is sometimes written as McNealy.
Overall, the surname Naylor has several variants and spellings, almost all of which can trace their roots back to England. Its various spellings are reflective of its spread and popularity among English-speaking countries.
Famous people with the name Naylor
- Richard Naylor: former English footballer and now sports pundit at Sky Sports
- Meg Naylor: British actress, singer and presenter
- Alan Naylor: Canadian voice actor and radio host
- Lesley Naylor: British art conservator and expert
- Gavin Naylor: British natural history illustrator and scientific artist
- William Naylor: notable English poet who was a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature
- Andrew Naylor: English film producer and screenwriter
- Polly Naylor: British television producer and director
- Chris Naylor: British historian and military expert
- Douglas Naylor: English television writer, producer and director best known for being the co-creator of the hit British science fiction comedy-drama Red Dwarf