Last name: Saylor. 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.