Naylor

Occupational

Meaning

A person who makes or sells nails, derived from the occupation of nail-making.

Etymology

From Middle English 'nailer' or 'naylor,' combining 'nail' (from Old English 'nægl') with the occupational suffix '-er' or '-or'. The surname emerged during the medieval period when nail-making was a recognized trade.

About the Naylor Surname

Naylor is a classic English occupational surname indicating an ancestor engaged in nail manufacture or sales. The surname reflects the importance of metalworking trades in medieval English communities.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 3,500 bearers in the United States #2,086 most common surname
Rare Common

Primarily found in England, particularly in the Midlands and northern regions.

Naylor Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

Notable Bearers

People with the Naylor Surname