Girl · 79th of 9,204
Sylvia
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
244,949
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1937
Peak Popularity Year
4,389
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Sylvia stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Sylvia originates from Latin, meaning 'forest' or 'woodland'. It has evolved through various forms in different languages, maintaining its connection to nature. While it has no direct biblical relevance, it has been used historically since the Renaissance and carries a classic appeal. Notable individuals with this name contribute to its modern image of elegance and creativity.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈsɪl.vi.ə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Sylvia is derived from the Latin word 'silva', which means 'forest' or 'woodland'. It is often associated with nature and the outdoors.
Meaning
forest, woodland
Language Evolution
Silvia (Latin), Silvie (French), Silvia (Italian), Sylvia (English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity during the Renaissance period and has remained in use since, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Silvia, Silvie, Sylvie, Syl, Silly
Modern Popularity & Image
Sylvia is currently perceived as a classic and somewhat elegant name, often associated with creativity and sophistication. It has a timeless quality.
Famous People
Sylvia Plath (poet), Sylvia Beach (publisher), Sylvia Browne (author and psychic), Sylvia Sidney (actress)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,389 peak births in 1937
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Mexico
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 8 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2453rd of 7545 | 178 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1844th of 6773 | 282 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2300th of 7552 | 237 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3610th of 10718 | 130 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6860th of 16616 | 81 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 93rd of 9107 | 53,350 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 79th of 9204 | 58,876 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 113th of 12526 | 72,480 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 187th of 19264 | 24,937 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 324th of 27321 | 13,141 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 538th of 35406 | 8,684 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 481st of 30306 | 7,993 |