Find out how popular the first name Silvan has been for the last 30 years (from 1994 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Silvan by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Silvan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Silvan.

The history of the first name Silvan

The name Silvan has its roots in Latin, originating from the word "silva" which means "forest" or "woods." It was initially used as a descriptive term to refer to someone who lived in or near a forested area. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the Roman era, where it was a relatively common name among the rural population.

During the Middle Ages, the name Silvan gained popularity across Europe, particularly in regions with significant woodland areas. It was often associated with occupations related to forestry, such as woodsmen, foresters, or hunters. The name also carried a sense of connection with nature and the outdoors.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Silvan was a 6th-century Frankish abbot and saint, known as Saint Silvan of Auchy. He is venerated in the Catholic Church for his piety and dedication to monastic life. Another notable figure was Silvan, a 7th-century Byzantine monk and theologian who played a significant role in the Monothelite controversy.

In the 11th century, Silvan of Reims was a renowned French scholar and teacher who served as the chancellor of the Cathedral School of Reims. His writings on grammar and rhetoric were highly influential during his time.

Moving forward to the 16th century, Silvan Edelbach (1517-1554) was a German Protestant reformer and theologian who worked alongside Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon. He played a crucial role in the spread of the Reformation in Germany.

Another historical figure with the name Silvan was Silvan Joubert (1528-1581), a French physician and philosopher. He is best known for his work "Traité du Ris" (Treatise on Laughter), which explored the physiological and psychological aspects of laughter.

Throughout history, the name Silvan has been associated with individuals who had a close connection with nature, whether through their occupations, religious beliefs, or intellectual pursuits. While it may not be as commonly used today, the name still carries a sense of simplicity, earthiness, and a reverence for the natural world.

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 Silvan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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