17,883 Global Saylor Family Members

Saylor Family History

Recorded as Seiler, Sieler, Sailor, Seyler, Seiller, Seilmann, (German), and in England as Saylor, as well as possibly other forms, this is a surname of pre 7th century German origins. It is or was, occupational, and was first recorded in the medieval period. It derives from the ancient word 'seil' meaning a rope, and describes a ropemaker. However as ropes were used more and more in shipping, it maybe that by association a person who sailed using ropes became a sailor. The name is also Ashkenasic, where is is thought that the name may be an anagram of Israel, but this seems at best unlikely.