Sydney
Sydney is a girl name of French origin meaning “Wide meadow”, pronounced SID-nee. It ranked #348 in the United States in 2025, given to 873 babies, and peaked at #23 in 1999. Common nicknames: Syd, Sid.
How popular is Sydney in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Sydney mean, and where does it come from?
Sydney derives from the French place name Saint-Denis, or alternatively from the Old English "wide meadow." It was originally used as an English surname before becoming a popular first name for both boys and girls. The name shares its spelling with Sydney, Australia, one of the world's most iconic cities, founded in 1788 and named after British Home Secretary Thomas Townshend, Lord Sydney. In recent decades, Sydney has become increasingly favoured as a girl's name in the United States, admired for its sleek, cosmopolitan sound.
How is Sydney used around the world?
Sydney is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Sydney?
Famous People Named Sydney
- Sydney Sweeney — American actress
- Sydney Leroux — Canadian-American professional soccer player
Similar Names to Sydney
If you like Sydney, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Sydney
Looking for names that pair well with Sydney? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Sydney mean?
Sydney is a girl name of French origin meaning "Wide meadow." Sydney derives from the French place name Saint-Denis, or alternatively from the Old English "wide meadow." It was originally used as an English surname before becoming a popular first name for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Sydney?
Sydney is pronounced SID-nee. Common variations include Sidney, Sydnee, Cydney.
Is Sydney a girl name?
Yes, Sydney is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Syd, Sid.