Surname Saylor - Meaning and Origin
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Emotionally Charged Journey: Discovering Ancestry through iGENEA DNA Tests and The Power of The Surname Saylor
Discovering one's lineage through iGENEA DNA tests is an emotional journey that redefines the understanding of family and the significance of surnames. The enlightening revelations offer a deeper connection to ancestral roots, establishing an extended global family, and a newfound pride in the heritage of the surname Saylor.
U. Saylor
read moreSaylor: What does the surname Saylor mean?
The surname Saylor, also sometimes spelled as Sailor or Seiler, has Germanic roots and could have been an occupational name given to individuals who had vocations associated with sailing or loading of ships. The name is derived from the Middle High German word "seilære," which translates to "rope maker." Rope-makers were essential during the Middle Ages for their roles in marine and construction industries. Therefore, this surname could traditionally represent someone who was either a seaman, a boat builder, or a ropesmith - all occupations that were linked to sailing or ship-manufacturing back in the day. As with many surnames, different derivations are possible, and it might also have geographical implications indicative of places near bodies of water. Many individuals with the surname Saylor could have ancestors who were affiliated with sailing or rope-making in some way.
Order DNA origin analysisSaylor: Where does the name Saylor come from?
The last name Saylor is most commonly found in the United States today. Specifically, the name is primarily associated with Pennsylvania, which is where the majority of descendants of the original Saylor families still reside. However, according to the US Census data, the Saylor surname can now be found in almost every US state as well as many countries across the world.
The Saylor family has its roots deep in the history of the Appalachian region in the US, with a history stretching back to the early 18th century. In this part of the country, many Saylors were farmers who lived and worked on the land, although some members of the family also pursued other trades. By the end of the 19th century, some members of the family had begun to move to more urban areas, such as the cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Today, with the mobility made easier by the opening up of international borders, members of the Saylor family are believed to be spread across the world, in countries such as England, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, people bearing the Saylor surname can now be found in a larger number of US states, namely California, Texas, Illinois, and New York.
Variations of the surname Saylor
The surname Saylor or Saylors is of English, Scottish or Dutch origin. It is derived from the Old English “seið” or “seol”, meaning “wide” or “broad.” As a result, variants and spellings of this surname have come to be, including but not limited to: Saeler, Saehler, Sayler, Seeler, Seiler, Seller, Sellar, Sellars, Sellers, Sillars, Sillers, Soyler, and Soeler.
In the United States, most Saylor families are descended from the English branch of the family. A large number of Saylor families settled in Pennsylvania during the 1700s, with some coming over directly from England and Scotland, and others from other American colonies. Many Saylors also moved west after the American Civil War, settling in the Western states, such as California and Texas.
Surnames of Scottish origin can have different spellings and pronunciations. For instance, families may be known as Saelor, Seelor, or Saylor. They are related to the more common Saylor spelling. Dutch Saylors may succumb to anglicisation to Saylor as well, with spellings appearing as “Saeler” and “Seeler.”
Regardless of the variant or spelling, the Saylor surname continues to be an important family name for many families today.
Famous people with the name Saylor
- Luke Saylor: Actor who appeared in the movies "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam".
- Belle Saylor: Youngest Emmy Award-nominated director for her work on the Lifetime movie "Killer Grandma".
- Robert Saylor: Former American football player who played for the Oakland Raiders.
- David Saylor: Retired US Navy FAA pilot who was the focus of the 2007 documentary "The Heart of Hickory."
- Alan Saylor: Automobile engineer and professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
- Blaine Saylor: NASCAR driver who competed in the series for five years before retiring in 1982.
- Matthew Saylor: Minimalist artist and sculptor who has displayed his works across the United States.
- Bill Saylor: Former Major League Baseball umpire who officiated two World Series games.
- John Saylor: Politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1947 to 1963.
- Amos Saylor: Country music singer-songwriter famous for his hit songs “Too Little Too Late” and “All for You.”