Find out how popular the first name Slyvester has been for the last 22 years (from 1974 to 1995) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Slyvester by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Slyvester is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1995, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Slyvester.

The history of the first name Slyvester

The given name Sylvester has its origins in Latin, derived from the word "silva" meaning "forest" or "woods." It is believed to have emerged during the Roman era, with early references dating back to the 4th century AD. The name was initially associated with individuals who lived in or near forested areas, but over time, it became a popular moniker across various cultures.

One of the earliest documented instances of the name Sylvester can be found in the life of Pope Sylvester I, who served as the Bishop of Rome from 314 to 335 AD. He is celebrated as a significant figure in early Christianity and is revered as a saint by the Catholic Church. The name gained further prominence due to its association with this influential religious leader.

During the Middle Ages, the name Sylvester was popular among the nobility and aristocracy, particularly in regions such as Italy, France, and Germany. Notable historical figures bearing this name include Sylvester II, who reigned as Pope from 999 to 1003 AD and is credited with introducing Arabic numerals to Europe. Another prominent individual was Sylvester Calvert, born in 1605, who was the first Governor of Maryland and a prominent figure in the early colonization of British North America.

As the name spread across Europe, it took on various spellings and forms, such as Silvester, Sylvester, and Silvestre. In the 18th century, the German poet and dramatist Sylvester Lohn (1703-1781) gained recognition for his works, contributing to the continued use of the name in German-speaking regions.

Other notable figures named Sylvester include Sylvester Stallone, the American actor and filmmaker born in 1946, best known for his iconic role as Rocky Balboa in the "Rocky" film series. Sylvester Weaver (1908-1992) was an influential American broadcasting executive who played a pivotal role in the development of television programming during the early years of the medium.

Throughout its long history, the name Sylvester has maintained a strong presence, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. Its connection to nature and the forest, as well as its association with notable historical figures, has imbued it with a sense of strength, resilience, and enduring legacy.

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

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

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