Sylvia
Of the forest — a girl name of Latin origin
Popularity of Sylvia in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Sylvia
Sylvia derives from the Latin word "silva" meaning "forest" or "woodland." In Roman mythology, Rhea Silvia was the mother of Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. Shakespeare used the name in his play The Two Gentlemen of Verona, where Sylvia is the beautiful and virtuous heroine. The name enjoyed strong popularity in the early to mid-20th century and is associated with the American poet Sylvia Plath, whose confessional writing style revolutionized modern poetry. Sylvia has a timeless, literary quality that distinguishes it from trendier nature names.
Sylvia Around the World
Sylvia is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
Male FormSylvio
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Sylvia
Famous People Named Sylvia
- Sylvia Plath — American poet and novelist
- Sylvia Earle — American marine biologist and oceanographer
- Queen Silvia of Sweden — Swedish queen consort
Similar Names to Sylvia
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Sibling Name Ideas for Sylvia
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Sylvia mean?
Sylvia is a girl name of Latin origin meaning "Of the forest." Sylvia derives from the Latin word "silva" meaning "forest" or "woodland." In Roman mythology, Rhea Silvia was the mother of Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.
How do you pronounce Sylvia?
Sylvia is pronounced SIL-vee-uh. Common variations include Silvia, Silvie, Sylvie.
Is Sylvia a girl name?
Yes, Sylvia is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Syl, Sylvie, Sivvy.
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