Holding steady.
Popularity of Silva since 1892
Babies named Silva per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1969, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Silva's real moment was 1892.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 24 |
| 1910s | 70 |
| 1920s | 91 |
| 1930s | 74 |
| 1940s | 29 |
| 1950s | 69 |
| 1960s | 146 |
| 1970s | 125 |
| 1980s | 106 |
| 1990s | 92 |
| 2000s | 35 |
| 2010s | 29 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Silva is a rare and understated name with deep roots in Latin. First recorded in the United States in 1892, it has never ranked in the top 1000, maintaining a low but steady presence over the decades. Its peak year was 1892, when it was given to only a handful of daughters, and its trajectory has been stable but minimal. As a result, there are no dominant states for the name, and it remains a choice that feels both ancient and fresh. The name's connection to the natural world through the Latin word for forest gives it an earthy, timeless appeal, while its similarity to the more familiar Sylvia offers a subtle variation. For parents seeking a name that is genuinely uncommon without being invented, Silva is an intriguing option.
Silva is most commonly traced to Latin silva, meaning 'forest' or 'woodland'. In Roman times, Silvanus was a deity of forests and fields, and the name may have been used as a feminine form of the related name Silvius. In Italy and Portugal, Silva has also developed as a surname from place names, and in the late 19th century it saw occasional use as a given name in the United States, possibly influenced by Italian and Portuguese immigration. It has never been a common first name in the U.S., but maintains a quiet presence.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sylvie, Via
Variants: Sylvia
Sibling names for Silva
Names that share Silva's style, for a brother or sister.
