A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Sylvan since 1886
Babies named Sylvan per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sylvan's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 12 |
| 1890s | 39 |
| 1900s | 77 |
| 1910s | 585 |
| 1920s | 660 |
| 1930s | 391 |
| 1940s | 278 |
| 1950s | 178 |
| 1960s | 108 |
| 1970s | 105 |
| 1980s | 127 |
| 1990s | 132 |
| 2000s | 215 |
| 2010s | 330 |
| 2020s | 447 |
Meaning & origin
Sylvan is a rare masculine name rooted in Latin, evoking the natural world through its connection to the Roman god of forests. First recorded in U.S. data in 1886, it peaked in popularity in 1912, ranking 1668 as of 2025. The name has seen a steady revival since 1990, with its highest concentrations historically in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and New York. Its association with nature and mythological origins gives it a distinctive, literary quality without being overly ornate.
Sylvan derives directly from the Latin 'Silvanus', the name of the Roman god of forests and fields, itself from 'silva' meaning wood or forest. It entered English as a given name in the 17th century, likely influenced by the pastoral poetry of the time, and enjoyed modest use in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Sylvan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Syl, Van
Sibling names for Sylvan
Names that share Sylvan's style, for a brother or sister.
