Sylvester

“wooded.” — Associated with several saints

Latin origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#1031US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

43.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 189000

How to pronounce Sylvester

silv·EST·er

/sɪlv.ˈɛst.ɝ/ · stress on EST · 3 syllables

“wooded.”

Associated with several saints · Latin origin

What does Sylvester mean and where does it come from?

Sylvester is derived from the Latin name Silvester, meaning 'wooded.' Historically, it has been a name for both males and females, though its usage as a female name is quite rare. The name is associated with several saints, including Pope Sylvester I. While it has enjoyed popularity in various parts

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #1112 in 1904 — currently #1031 in the US.

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How else can you spell Sylvester?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Sylvester?

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

Sylvester Grace

How popular is Sylvester right now?

Holding steady — currently #1031 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#1031 · Top 0.76%

1910

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1970

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1031	1,169	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1036	1,149	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1041	1,119	▲ up 5353 · +15886% births
1970	#6394	7	▲ up 23 · +40% births
1960	#6417	5	▼ down 2820 · -55% births
1955	#3597	11	▼ down 525 · -8% births
1950	#3072	12	▲ up 976 · +100% births
1945	#4048	6	▼ down 520 · -14% births
1940	#3528	7	▼ down 940 · -36% births
1935	#2588	11	▼ down 274 · -21% births
1930	#2314	14	▲ up 321 · +8% births
1925	#2635	13	▲ up 108 · +8% births
1920	#2743	12	▲ up 167 · +33% births
1915	#2910	9	▼ down 1367 · -10% births
1910	#1543	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Sylvester

Best Year2023Rank #1031

Peak Count1,169

Average Rank#2905

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202316 years

The story of Sylvester

Sylvester has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. A total of 43,507 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1231 in 1890 to #1031 in 2023. Sylvester is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Sylvester in 1904:

Mary Helen Anna Margaret Ruth

Sylvester by decade

Sylvester peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	796
1890s	990
1900s	1,411
1910s	5,542
1920s ★	7,028
1930s	5,232
1940s	5,402
1950s	6,225
1960s	3,870
1970s	2,311
1980s	2,024
1990s	1,213
2000s	735
2010s	677
2020s	51

What are good nicknames for Sylvester?

DANISH

Vester

ENGLISH

Sly

ITALIAN

Silvestra

SLOVENE

Silvestra

Famous people named Sylvester

Sylvester (Renaissance scholar)

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

Sylvester (historical Roman figure)

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

Sylvester (Roman senator or statesman)

Sylvester 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

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Sylvester?

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

Sylester

Latin · Latin

Syvester

English · A meaningful name

Latin · to flourish; to

Sylvestre

France · Wild, woodsy, or

Alvester

Latin · Latin

Sylvette

France · little forest

How is Sylvester written in other languages?

Gender variants of Sylvester

Silvestra ITALIAN Silvestra SLOVENE Fester DUTCH

Common questions about the name Sylvester

What does the name Sylvester mean?

Sylvester 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 Sylvester?

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

What is the cultural origin of Sylvester?

Sylvester 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.

How do you pronounce the name Sylvester?

Sylvester is a three-syllable name pronounced S IH0 L V EH1 S T ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Sylvester?

Sylvester 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.