Taggart

Meaning & origin

Taggart is a Scottish and Irish surname name that entered the American baby name charts in 1964, reflecting the mid-century trend of adopting clan surnames as first names. Its use remained rare for decades, with a notable peak in 2013 when it reached its highest rank. Since 2014, Taggart has been declining in popularity, though it continues to appeal to parents seeking a distinctive, heritage-rich name with strong sounds. Despite its rarity, Taggart maintains a steady presence, with roughly 1 in every 189,786 boys receiving the name in 2025. While it has no strong association with any U.S. state, its Celtic roots give it a rugged, outdoorsy feel that fits alongside other Scottish favorites. Taggart's trajectory mirrors broader naming trends: a quick rise to a modest peak followed by a gradual retreat, but it remains a viable choice for families honoring Scottish ancestry.

Taggart is a Scottish and Irish surname turned given name, derived from the Gaelic Mac an t-Sagairt, meaning 'son of the priest'. It originated as a patronymic for descendants of a priest, reflecting the clerical heritage in medieval Gaelic society. As a first name, it saw occasional use in Scotland and Ireland before gaining modest popularity as a given name in the United States from the mid-20th century onward.