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 #2224 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Sylvester John
One syllable · timeless choice
Sylvester Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Sylvester Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Sylvester Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Sylvester Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Sylvester right now?
Falling — down 110 spots — currently #2224 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2224 | 64 | ▼ down 110 · -10% births |
| 2024 | #2114 | 71 | ▼ down 1083 · -94% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
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 | 186 | |
What are good nicknames for Sylvester?
Famous people named Sylvester
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Sylvester (Renaissance scholar)
Sylvester used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
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Sylvester (historical Roman figure)
Sylvester carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
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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
How is Sylvester written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Sylvester?
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 silv-EST-er. 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.