Schuyler is a given name derived from a Dutch word meaning  scholar .. In the United States it is used for both boys and girls, typically with the alternative phonetic spellings Skylar and Skyler.The surname Schuyler was originally introduced in North America by 17th century settlers arriving in New York.It became a given name in honor of prominent members of the New York family, such as Philip Schuyler, and so became the given name of Schuyler Colfax, the 17th vice president of the United States.t became a given name in honor of prominent members of the New York family, such as Philip Schuyler, and so became the given name of Schuyler Colfax, the 17th vice president of the United States.