Surname Caylor - Meaning and Origin

Caylor: What does the surname Caylor mean?

The last name Caylor is of German origin, derived from the German surname "Keiler." It originated as a nickname or occupational name for a fighter or a wrestler. The name comes from the Middle High German "keilen," which means 'to fight'. Over time, spelling variations developed based on phonetic and regional differences, and Keiler became Caylor in some parts of the world, primarily in America. Surnames often linked to a person's occupation, characteristics, geographical location, or father's name in many cultures. In the case of Caylor, it can be particularly found among descendants of German immigrants in the United States, who anglicized their surnames. Therefore, it signifies a person who is a fighter or a wrestler. However, it is crucial to remember that surname origins may have different meanings in different cultures and languages.

Caylor: Where does the name Caylor come from?

The surname Caylor is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German term "keiler," meaning a "wild boar." Specifically, it was an occupational name given to a person who hunted wild boars. Over time and with migration, the name has evolved into its present form. As with many surnames, the spelling can vary, with Kayler, Keiler, Cailer, and Kaylor being different versions of the same name.

As per its distribution, the United States has a significant number of individuals bearing the Caylor last name, predominantly in the states of Indiana and Florida. It may be due to the migration and settlement of German immigrants in these areas. Nonetheless, it remains fairly uncommon on a global scale. According to Forebears, a surname database, the Caylor surname ranks as the 38,426th most common surname in the world, with the highest density of Caylors in the United States.

Variations of the surname Caylor

The surname Caylor is believed to be of German origin. It is typically an Americanized version of the German surname 'Kohler' or 'Köhler', which means 'charcoal burner' in Germany, referring to an occupational name for a person who made or sold charcoal.

Apart from Caylor, other variations and spellings of the same origin include: Kaylor, Kayler, Kaylar, Gaylor, Curler, Curlar, and Kyler. These variants may have arisen over time due to differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or even transcription errors in historical documents.

Also, consider that some families may have opted to change the spelling of the surname for personal or societal reasons. This was often the case when German immigrants arrived in America and anglicized their surnames to better assimilate into society.

The surname Caylor may also intersect with other surnames of similar spelling or pronunciation that evolved independently. An example is the British-origin surname Taylor. Though the two names sound similar, Taylor is likely to come from an occupational surname for someone who was a tailor, not a charcoal burner. It's important to consider the context of a surname—including its regional prevalence and historical mentions—to accurately determine its origins.

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Famous people with the name Caylor

• Jennifer Caylor: an American professional ice hockey player and the first woman to be part of the American Hockey League broadcasts.
• Darnell Caylor: an American football linebacker who played for the University of Michigan and the Denver Broncos.
• Chad Caylor: an American television actor and writer, best known for his roles in shows such as “The Shield,” “Justified,” and “Workaholics.”
• Terrence Caylor: an actor best known for his films such as “Smokey and the Bandit,” “Stripes,” and “The Last Picture Show.”
• John T. Caylor: an American architect and the first African-American to be licensed to practice architecture in the state of Mississippi.
• Avery Caylor: an American blues/roots musician and songwriter.
• Robin Caylor: an American actor known for his roles in shows such as “Thundercats,” “Smallville,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
• Stephen Caylor: an American actor known for his roles in films such as “The Mask,” “The Hunt for Red October,” and “Dirty Work.”
• Roger Caylor: an American artist, painter, and sculptor whose work has been featured in galleries across the country.
• Annette Gettemy Caylor: an American quilt-maker who has been featured on the cover of numerous magazines and is a master artisan with the Kentucky Crafted program.

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