by Austen Hindman

Created on: January 19, 2008

'Tyler' is a popular boys' name in the USA, Canada, England and Australia.

Originally 'Tyler' was used as an English family name for men who laid roof tiles. In Britain, 'a tiler' is still used to describe a roofer. It has been used as a first name in English-speaking countries since the 1970s.

In the USA, Tyler has been one of the top twenty boys names consistently since 1991. It reached its peak in the mid-90s, which was also a very successful period for rock star Steven Tyler, of the band Aerosmith, and his daughter, Liv Tyler.

Tyler Perry (born 1969) is an actor and writer in the hit TV show 'Tyler Perry's House of Payne'. He has also written a best-selling book about his character, Madea. Tyler started life in poverty, suffering through abuse and homelessness to become a hugely successful actor in film and television.

Tyler James Williams (born 1992) plays 'Chris' in the TV show 'Everybody Hates Chris'. He has been nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe award.

The name 'Tyler' is associated with two significant events in world history. Wat (Walter) Tyler was the leader of The Peasants' Revolt in England in 1381. At the time, England was ruled by the fourteen year old King Richard II, who was under the supervision of his uncles. It was these two Dukes who introduced a 'poll tax', which was so unfair that Tyler led a rebellion on the streets of London. The rebels took over the city. The King was so scared that he agreed to hear Tyler's demands. While Tyler was talking to the King he was murdered by the Mayor of London.

'Honest' John Tyler, Jr. (1790 -1862) was the tenth President of the United States. He was Vice-President for one month before President William Henry Harrison died of pneumonia. No-one was sure what should happen next, until eventually it was agreed that Tyler should take over as President. From then on it has been assumed that a Vice-President will take Office if the President dies. This power was last used by Lyndon B. Johnson immediately after President Kennedy's death. Tyler was called 'His Accidency' by his opponents, making a joke of the fact that he never intended to become President.

The city of Tyler, in Texas, is named after President Tyler, who was responsible for bringing Texas into the Union.

The name Tyler can be shortened to 'Ty'. 'Tyla' is often used as an alternative spelling. Both 'Tyler' and 'Tyla' are becoming popular as girls' names.

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