Find out how popular the first name Sy has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sy by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 11 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Sy.

The history of the first name Sy

The given name Sy has its origins in the French language, derived from the Latin name Silvius. Silvius is believed to have been a common Roman praenomen (personal name) during the ancient Roman era. The name is thought to be derived from the Latin word "silva," meaning "forest" or "woodland."

In ancient Roman mythology, Silvius was a legendary king of Alba Longa, the son of Aeneas and Lavinia. He is mentioned in Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid, as well as in the writings of the ancient Roman historian Livy. The name Silvius was also borne by several early kings of Rome, according to traditional accounts.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Sy can be traced back to the Middle Ages in France. One notable bearer of the name was Sy de Valnion, a 13th-century French nobleman and crusader who participated in the Eighth Crusade to the Holy Land in 1270.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the first name Sy. One such person was Sy Oliver (1910-1988), an American jazz arranger, composer, and bandleader known for his work with notable artists such as Jimmie Lunceford, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.

Another notable Sy was Sy Bartlett (1888-1962), an American actor and vaudeville performer who appeared in several films during the early 20th century, including "The Jazz Singer" (1927) and "The Public Enemy" (1931).

Sy Wexler (1923-2005) was an American film producer and director, best known for his work on the acclaimed film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975), which won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Sy Scholfield (1905-1975) was a Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1920s and 1930s, winning the Stanley Cup in 1932.

Sy Friedman (1931-2021) was an American baseball executive who served as the general manager of the New York Mets from 1973 to 1977, overseeing the team's first National League pennant in 1973.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the first name Sy, showcasing its enduring presence across various cultures and fields.

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

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

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