Silvester

“of the forest”

Latin origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#12032US 2023

6Births / yr

↓Falling

1.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 188400.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Silvester

sil-ves-tər(english),zil-ves-tu(german)

/sil-ves-tər(english),zil-ves-tu(german)/ · · 3 syllables

“of the forest”

Latin origin · Boy name

What does Silvester mean and where does it come from?

Silvester is derived from the Latin 'silvestris', which means 'of the forest' or 'wild'. It was commonly used in early Christian contexts due to Saint Silvester, a pope who reigned during the 4th century. The name was popularized in medieval Europe and, over time, has seen resurgence in various cult

Cultural significance

Silvester has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.

Peak popularity

Reached #844 in 1884 — currently #12032 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Silvester?

Silvester works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Silvester Grace

How popular is Silvester right now?

Falling — down 1368 spots — currently #12032 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#12032 · Top 8.9%

1945

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2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#12032	6	▼ down 1368
2015	#10664	6	▲ up 1609 · +20% births
2010	#12273	5	▼ down 2085 · -17% births
2005	#10188	6	▲ up 206 · +20% births
2000	#10394	5	▼ down 5374 · -50% births
1990	#5020	10	▼ down 1788 · -29% births
1985	#3232	14	▲ up 1741 · +100% births
1980	#4973	7	▼ down 1280 · -22% births
1975	#3693	9	▼ down 765 · -18% births
1970	#2928	11	▼ down 731 · -21% births
1965	#2197	14	▼ down 784 · -56% births
1960	#1413	32	▲ up 244 · +45% births
1955	#1657	22	▲ up 814 · +120% births
1950	#2471	10	▼ down 823 · -41% births
1945	#1648	17	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Silvester

Best Year1910Rank #963

Peak Count32

Average Rank#4284

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202323 years

The story of Silvester

Silvester has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. With 1,300 total births recorded, Silvester remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1249 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12032 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Silvester in 1884:

John William James George Charles

Silvester by decade

Silvester peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	13
1900s	31
1910s	133
1920s ★	218
1930s	121
1940s	103
1950s	170
1960s	177
1970s	83
1980s	99
1990s	88
2000s	53
2010s	11

💎With 1,300 total births, Silvester is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Silvester?

DANISH

Vester

ENGLISH

Sly

ITALIAN

Silvestra

SLOVENE

Silvestra

Famous people named Silvester

Silvester (Renaissance scholar)

Silvester used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.

Silvester (historical Roman figure)

Silvester carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.

Silvester (Roman senator or statesman)

Silvester held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Silvester?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Silvester also consider these

Latin · to flourish; to

Italian · from the forest

Calvester

American · derived from 'Calvin',

How is Silvester written in other languages?

What are the girl versions of Silvester?

Silvestra ITALIAN Silvestra SLOVENE Fester DUTCH

Common questions about the name Silvester

What does the name Silvester mean?

Silvester means "Latin" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Silvester?

Silvester is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Silvester?

Silvester originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

What sibling names go well with Silvester?

Silvester pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.

Is Silvester a common or rare name?

Silvester is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.