Sybil Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Sybil has Greek origins, meaning 'prophetess' or 'oracle'. It evolved through Latin and Middle English forms. Sybil is often associated with wisdom and has been used in various literary contexts, contributing to its enduring appeal. The name does not have a biblical background but gained popularity during the Renaissance. Today, it is viewed as a classic name with a mystical aura, and notable figures bear it.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Sybil"
Pronunciation
/ˈsɪbəl/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Sybil is derived from the Greek word 'sibyl', which refers to a female prophet or oracle. It was used in ancient times to denote women believed to possess divine powers of prophecy.
Meaning
prophetess, oracle
Language Evolution
Sibyl (Latin), Σίβυλλα (Sibylla in Ancient Greek), Sybil (Middle English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity during the Renaissance when interest in classical antiquity revived. It has been used in literature and theater, notably in works by Shakespeare and other playwrights.
Variants & Derivatives
Sibylle, Sybilla, Sibella, Sibley
Modern Popularity & Image
Sybil is perceived as a classic and somewhat mystical name, often associated with wisdom and foresight. It remains relatively uncommon but is appreciated for its historical and literary connections.
Famous People
Sybil Ludington, an American Revolutionary War heroine, Sybil Danning, an Austrian actress, Sybil Thorndike, an English actress
📊 Sybil Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Sybil Name Visualizations
✨ Sybil Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 541 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 42 US states, with strongest presence in South Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Sybil" - Complete Guide (6 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Sybil". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 6 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Sybil" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Sybil"
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 of "Sybil"
"Sybil" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 335th of 9107 | 6,765 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 387th of 9204 | 5,625 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 697th of 12526 | 3,675 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1180th of 19264 | 1,592 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3089th of 27321 | 539 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 7788th of 35406 | 228 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1831st of 30306 | 1,352 |
Regional Popularity of "Sybil" by Generation for Male 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) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Sybil" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
33.26% 471st/1416 |
30.89% 426th/1379 |
10.10% 239th/2366 |
42.82% 489th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
39.72% 614th/1546 |
28.08% 437th/1556 |
12.49% 294th/2353 |
41.31% 639th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
40.28% 897th/2227 |
35.31% 858th/2430 |
17.21% 491st/2853 |
40.72% 1130th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
54.89% 1612th/2937 |
34.63% 1206th/3483 |
29.14% 1025th/3518 |
36.52% 1477th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
100.00% 3685th/3685 |
82.53% 3693rd/4475 |
62.07% 3224th/5194 |
100.00% 6317th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
100.00% 7313th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
45.43% 1810th/3984 |
50.64% 2272nd/4487 |
30.58% 2086th/6822 |
31.25% 1961st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Sybil"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Sybil" 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 of "Sybil" in the United States
The name Sybil is most popular in South Carolina, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation 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. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Sybil has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Sybil' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 335th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 387th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 697th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1180th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3089th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7788th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1831st out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Sybil' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.