Find out how popular the first name Sylvania has been for the last 15 years (from 1975 to 1989) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sylvania by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Sylvania is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1989, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Sylvania.

The history of the first name Sylvania

The name Sylvania has its origins in the Latin language, deriving from the words "silva" meaning "forest" and "sylva" meaning "woods." This suggests that the name originated during ancient Roman times, likely referring to someone who lived in or near a wooded area.

The earliest recorded use of the name Sylvania can be traced back to the 1st century AD, where it appeared in Roman inscriptions and records. It was a relatively uncommon name during this period, primarily used by families residing in rural or forested regions of the Roman Empire.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Sylvania was a Roman noblewoman named Sylvania Claudia, who lived in the 2nd century AD. She was known for her philanthropic work and patronage of the arts.

In the 5th century AD, the name Sylvania gained some popularity among early Christian communities in Europe. Saint Sylvania of Trier, a nun who lived in the late 5th century, is venerated in the Catholic Church for her devotion and charitable works.

During the Middle Ages, the name Sylvania remained relatively rare, but it did appear occasionally in various European regions. One notable figure was Sylvania von Hohenzollern, a German noblewoman born in 1267, who played a role in the dynastic struggles of the time.

The Renaissance period saw a slight resurgence in the use of the name Sylvania, particularly in Italy and France. Sylvania Borgia, a member of the famous Borgia family, was born in 1492 and is known for her patronage of the arts and her influential role in the Italian Renaissance.

In the 17th century, Sylvania Vere, an English poet and playwright, gained recognition for her literary works and her involvement in the intellectual circles of the time. She was born in 1610 and is considered one of the earliest female writers in English literature.

During the 19th century, the name Sylvania experienced a brief period of popularity in parts of Europe and North America. Sylvania Hawkins, an American activist born in 1838, was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement and the fight for equal rights.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who bore the name Sylvania, highlighting its rich heritage and varied cultural influences over the centuries.

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

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

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