Find out how popular the first name Silvestre has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Silvestre by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Silvestre is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 20 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Silvestre.

The history of the first name Silvestre

The name Silvestre has its origins in the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin words "silva" meaning "forest" and "terrestre" meaning "of the earth." The name is believed to have originated in ancient Rome during the early centuries of the Common Era.

The name Silvestre was initially used to refer to individuals who lived in or near forested areas or had a strong connection with nature. It may have been given to those who worked as foresters, woodsmen, or lived in rural, heavily wooded regions.

Historically, the name Silvestre has been recorded in various ancient Roman documents and texts. It is mentioned in some early Christian writings, though it does not appear to have any specific religious significance.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Silvestre was a Roman senator named Silvestre Quintilianus, who lived during the 3rd century AD. Another notable figure was Saint Silvestre I, who served as Pope from 314 to 335 AD and is remembered for establishing the Roman liturgical calendar.

During the Middle Ages, the name Silvestre remained in use, primarily in regions with strong Latin cultural influences, such as parts of Italy, Spain, and Portugal. In the 12th century, a French knight named Silvestre de Sacy participated in the Third Crusade and was known for his bravery in battle.

In the 16th century, a Spanish explorer and conquistador named Silvestre Velázquez de Cuéllar played a role in the conquest of Mexico alongside Hernán Cortés. He is recorded as one of the first Europeans to encounter and document the ancient city of Tulum on the Yucatán Peninsula.

During the Renaissance period, the Italian painter and architect Silvestre Revelio (1500-1575) gained recognition for his frescoes and architectural designs in Rome and other Italian cities.

Another noteworthy figure was Silvestre de Sousa (1572-1642), a Portuguese soldier and colonial administrator who served as the Governor of Portuguese India and played a significant role in the expansion of Portuguese influence in the region.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name Silvestre, reflecting its long-standing use and diverse cultural origins.

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

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

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