taft

Taft is a surname of English origin and a place name used in the United States. The name is most closely associated with William Howard Taft (1857–1930), who served as the 27th president of the United States from 1909 to 1913 and later as Chief Justice of the United States from 1921 to 1930, the only person to hold both offices. The Taft surname has appeared in American politics beyond the presidency, including Robert A. Taft (1889–1953), a prominent Republican senator who played a leading role in mid-20th-century legislative debates. The name is also linked to U.S. law through the Taft–Hartley Act of 1947, which restricted the activities of labor unions.

Geographically, Taft is used for several places in the United States. The best-known is Taft, California, a city in Kern County located in the southern San Joaquin Valley region; it is associated with agriculture and nearby oil production. Other communities bearing the name Taft exist in different states, reflecting the name’s use as a toponym.

In addition to people and places, Taft appears in commercial branding. Taft is a brand of hair styling products marketed in some European markets, notably for gels and related grooming products.

Overall, Taft functions as a surname tied to American political history, a place name in multiple locations, and a brand in consumer goods, illustrating how a single term can span individuals, geography, and commerce.