Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Silvester is a name of Latin origin, meaning 'wild' or 'of the forest'. It has evolved from its Latin roots through Old French and Middle English. The name is linked to Saint Silvester, which contributed to its historical popularity. While not as widely used today, it retains a unique and charming image, often associated with notable figures in entertainment.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/sɪlˈvɛstər/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Silvester is derived from the Latin word 'silvester', which means 'wild' or 'of the forest'. It was commonly used as a given name in ancient Rome.
Meaning
wild, of the forest
Language Evolution
Silvester (Latin), Silvestre (Old French), Silvester (Middle English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Christian tradition due to Saint Silvester, who was the Pope during the early 4th century. This association helped the name become common in medieval Europe.
Variants & Derivatives
Silvestre, Sylvester, Sylvestre, Silvie
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Silvester is often associated with strength and nature, though it is not as common as it once was. It carries a vintage charm and is sometimes seen in literary contexts.
Famous People
Sylvester Stallone, Silvester McCoy, Silvester Horne
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 32 peak births in 1960
Geographic Spread
Popular across 4 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1664th of 7545 | 331 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2083rd of 6773 | 231 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1894th of 7552 | 330 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3406th of 10718 | 145 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4826th of 16616 | 153 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 10037th of 24088 | 85 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 18910th of 23106 | 12 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
75.44% 1785th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
78.92% 1857th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
53.00% 1512th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
64.38% 2265th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
53.58% 2783rd/5194 |
55.42% 3501st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Texas across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1664th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2083rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1894th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3406th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4826th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10037th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 18910th out of 23106 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.