Sylvia
Sylvia is a boy's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
From the forest, wood, or woodland.
Origin and history
Sylvia is a traditional name derived from the Latin word 'silva', meaning forest or woods. While predominantly used as a feminine name, historical records in the United States show it was occasionally given to males in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, male usage of Sylvia is extremely rare in the U.S.
Popularity in the United States
908 babies in the United States have been named Sylvia since 1880. It ranks #3770 all-time.
States where it is most popular
- TX (100 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 11 |
| 1910-1920 | 74 |
| 1920-1930 | 124 |
| 1930-1940 | 164 |
| 1940-1950 | 134 |
| 1950-1960 | 116 |
| 1960-1970 | 129 |
| 1970-1980 | 68 |
| 1980-1990 | 78 |
| 1990-2000 | 10 |
| 2000-2010 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 0 |
| 2020-2029 | 0 |
Nicknames
Syl, Sylvie
Fun facts
- The name traces back to Rhea Silvia, the mythical mother of the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.
- William Shakespeare used the name Sylvia for a prominent character in his comedy 'The Two Gentlemen of Verona'.