Declining since 2004, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Sy since 1917
Babies named Sy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 12 |
| 1920s | 17 |
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 32 |
| 1960s | 32 |
| 1970s | 103 |
| 1980s | 147 |
| 1990s | 149 |
| 2000s | 249 |
| 2010s | 157 |
| 2020s | 58 |
Meaning & origin
Sy is a concise two-letter name that emerged as a diminutive of Sylvester or Simon, and it has been recorded as a given name in the United States since 1917. As of 2025, it stands at rank 7,679 and is given to roughly 1 in 170,808 male births, reflecting its uncommon status. Its peak usage came in 2003, and since 2004 its trajectory has been falling. Sy has not been strongly associated with any particular states or regions. With its simple spelling and friendly sound, it remains an occasional choice for parents seeking a short, classic nickname as a legal name.
Sy originated as a diminutive or nickname for longer names, particularly Sylvester (from Latin silvestris 'of the forest') and sometimes Simon (from Hebrew Shim'on 'he has heard'). It emerged as an independent given name in the English-speaking world in the early 20th century, often as a familiar or informal choice. Its usage has remained relatively rare, with occasional spikes likely tied to cultural figures.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Sye
Sibling names for Sy
Names that share Sy's style, for a brother or sister.
