Find out how popular the first name Silje has been for the last 21 years (from 2002 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Silje by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Silje is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Silje.

The history of the first name Silje

The given name Silje originates from Old Norse and is a feminine name derived from the word "silja" which means "houseleek" or "stonecrop", a type of succulent plant. It is believed to have originated in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Iceland, during the Viking Age between the 8th and 11th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Silje can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of literary works from the 13th century. These sagas often mentioned names used by the Norse people during that time period. The name Silje was likely given to girls born in the regions where the houseleek plant grew abundantly.

In the 14th century, a Norwegian noblewoman named Silje Jonsdatter was recorded as a member of the powerful Giske family. She lived on the island of Giske, off the western coast of Norway, and her name is mentioned in historical documents from that era.

During the 17th century, a Swedish woman named Silje Eriksdotter was known for her involvement in the Saami rebellions against Swedish settlers in Lapland. She was born around 1630 and played a significant role in the resistance against the encroachment of Swedish settlers on Saami lands.

In the 19th century, a Norwegian artist named Silje Margrethe Høegh (1843-1905) gained recognition for her landscape paintings depicting the natural beauty of Norway. She was born in Christiania (now Oslo) and her works are still exhibited in various museums in Norway.

Another notable figure with the name Silje was Silje Gramdal (1901-1993), a Norwegian educator and children's author. She wrote numerous books for young readers, including "Barna på Sandhaugen" (The Children on the Sandhill), which was widely popular in Norway during her lifetime.

Overall, the name Silje has a rich history rooted in Scandinavian culture and the natural environment of the region. Its connection to the houseleek plant and its presence in ancient Norse texts and historical records make it a name with a strong cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Silje was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Silje, please contact us.

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