Sylvan
Sylvan is a boy's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Of the forest; woodsman.
Origin and history
Sylvan is derived from the Latin word for forest or woods, historically associated with the Roman spirit of the woods, Silvanus. It has a long history of modest usage in the United States, retaining a gentle, nature-inspired appeal. It offers a classic alternative to more common nature names like Silas or Forest.
Popularity in the United States
3,684 babies in the United States have been named Sylvan since 1880. It ranks #2109 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1484.
States where it is most popular
- PA (40.9 %)
- NY (15.9 %)
- MD (9.2 %)
- WI (5.9 %)
- CA (5.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 12 |
| 1890-1900 | 39 |
| 1900-1910 | 77 |
| 1910-1920 | 585 |
| 1920-1930 | 660 |
| 1930-1940 | 391 |
| 1940-1950 | 278 |
| 1950-1960 | 178 |
| 1960-1970 | 108 |
| 1970-1980 | 105 |
| 1980-1990 | 127 |
| 1990-2000 | 132 |
| 2000-2010 | 215 |
| 2010-2019 | 330 |
| 2020-2029 | 447 |
Famous people named Sylvan
- Sylvan Fox: Journalist, Author
Fun facts
- The name traces back to Silvanus, the ancient Roman tutelary deity of forests and fields.
- The adjective 'sylvan' has long been used in English literature and poetry to describe rustic, wooded landscapes.