Breonna Taylor
Victim of police killing, catalyst for racial justice protests
Breonna Shai Taylor (June 26, 1993 – March 13, 2020) was an African American emergency medical technician (EMT) and first responder working in Louisville, Kentucky. On March 13, 2020, plainclothes police officers executed a no-knock search warrant at her apartment as part of a drug investigation, during which they fired multiple rounds, striking Taylor eight times and killing her instantly. No drugs were found in her home. Her death, along with those of George Floyd and others, ignited widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism throughout the United States and internationally. The incident prompted major discussions about police reform, qualified immunity, and racial justice. Though the officers involved were initially not charged with her death, public pressure led to investigations and policy changes in Louisville. Taylor's name became a rallying cry for criminal justice reform and remains a symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement. Her legacy has inspired legislation, community organizing, and continued activism for accountability and police reform across America.
Historical Figure
American
1993
2020
Thinking about the name
Breonna
Irish origin
“A doubled-consonant variant of Breona that adds visual weight and emphasis through the doubled 'n.' Breonna feels slightly more substantial and assertive than Breona, while maintaining its lyrical, feminine quality. The name achieved notable contemporary visibility while maintaining its uncommon status.”