Holding steady.
Popularity of Silvester since 1884
Babies named Silvester per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1960, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Silvester's real moment was 1910.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 13 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 31 |
| 1910s | 133 |
| 1920s | 218 |
| 1930s | 121 |
| 1940s | 103 |
| 1950s | 170 |
| 1960s | 177 |
| 1970s | 83 |
| 1980s | 99 |
| 1990s | 88 |
| 2000s | 53 |
| 2010s | 11 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Silvester, a name of Latin origin, means 'of the forest' and has a long history stretching back to early Christian saints. In the United States, it never broke into the top ranks but saw its peak year in 1910, after which it gradually declined. The name has remained stable in recent decades, with consistent but extremely low usage. It is most commonly associated with the English and German forms, reflecting its sustained popularity in Central and Northern Europe. The name's connection to nature and its saintly heritage give it a classic but rustic feel, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon yet recognizable name.
Derived from the Latin 'silvester' meaning 'of the forest' or 'wild', a cognate of 'silva' (forest). Saint Silvester (Pope Sylvester I) popularized the name in early Christian Europe. It saw moderate use in England from the Middle Ages, later sustained in German and Scandinavian countries. In the U.S., usage peaked around 1910.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sly, Syl, Vester, Sylvie
Sibling names for Silvester
Names that share Silvester's style, for a brother or sister.
