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

Popularity of Sylvia by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Sylvia is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Sylvia being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 722 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Sylvia.

The history of the first name Sylvia

The name Sylvia originates from the Latin word "silvaticus" or "silva" meaning "forest" or "woodland." It is believed to have first emerged as a name in ancient Rome. The name was quite popular during the Roman era and was often associated with the Roman goddess of forests and fields, Diana.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Sylvia can be found in the works of the Roman poet Virgil, who wrote the epic poem "Eclogues" in the 1st century BC. In this work, the name Sylvia is given to a fictional character who is depicted as a beautiful and pure nymph living in the woods.

Another notable historical figure with the name Sylvia was Saint Sylvia, a 6th-century Christian martyr who was born in Aquitaine, France. She was known for her charitable works and her dedication to helping the poor and needy.

During the Renaissance period, the name Sylvia gained popularity in Italy, particularly among the literary circles. One famous bearer of the name was Sylvia Piccolomini (1522-1598), an Italian noblewoman and patron of the arts, who was known for her patronage of the poet Torquato Tasso.

In the 17th century, the name Sylvia was also popular in England. One notable figure was Sylvia Soame (1631-1696), an English writer and translator who is remembered for her translations of French and Spanish works.

Another notable Sylvia in history was Sylvia Plath (1932-1963), an American poet and novelist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Her semi-autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar" and her collection of poems "Ariel" are considered masterpieces of confessional poetry.

Sylvia Earle (born 1935) is an American oceanographer and explorer who is renowned for her pioneering work in deep-sea exploration and ocean conservation. She was the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and has led numerous expeditions to study marine ecosystems.

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

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

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