Gaylor
An occupational surname most likely meaning “gaoler” — a keeper of prisoners.
The #9,609 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 91,291 Americans shares it.
Etymology
This surname is generally explained as a form of Middle English gaoler, from Old French and Anglo-Norman words for a jailer or keeper of prisoners. The historical spelling could appear as Galer, Gayler, or Gaylor, reflecting changes in pronunciation and spelling over time. Some older writers also suggested a connection with a loud-voiced person, but the gaoler explanation is the standard one.
History
Medieval records cited by early surname writers show forms such as le Gaoler and Gayeler in England. The name survives in several spellings, especially Gaylor and Gayler, and appears in English-speaking countries through later migration. It is comparatively uncommon in the United States today.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Charles Dickens used the spelling “gayler” in *The Knight’s Tale* quotation cited by early surname writers, helping preserve the older pronunciation association.
From the historical record
“GAYER. A gray-hound ; a swift dog. GAYLOR. That is, Getter— loud-voiced. GEAR and GEER. Gear signifies all sorts of wearing apparel and equipments for horses and men, from the Saxon gear- rian, to make ready ; and the name was probably given to one who took charge of and superintended the gear. John of the Gear…”
— An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names