The Baby Name Wizard

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Sylvia!

Comments and insights on the name Sylvia: | Edit

I named my daughter Sylvia Rose. Growing up there was a 90 year old woman in my neighborhood that I really admired. Her name was Sylvia and she was so full of life. She had this incredible curiosity and knew about everything! Even as a young child I was intrigued by her intelligence, quick wit, youthfulness, optimism, and energy.

That is my association with the name Sylvia and it's very positive. : )

Personal experiences with the name Sylvia: | Edit

I love having the name Sylvia! It is unique enough that I'm usually the only one around!
Unique yet familiar. Elegant!
My Great Aunt Sylvia was so peaceful, loving, resilient. We called her Aunt Sib.

Nicknames for Sylvia: | Edit

Syl, Sylvie, Sylver, Sylva, Sib, Sibbie, Slyv, Vee

Meanings and history of the name Sylvia: | Edit

Meaning "of the forest."
"determined"
In Roman mythology, Rhea Silvia (alternate spelling of Sylvia) was the mother of Romulus and Remus.
Sylvaculture is the study of forests/forestry.

Famous real-life people named Sylvia: | Edit

Sylvia Plath, suicidal American poet
Sylvia Pankhurst, English women's rights activist
Sylvia Sims, English actress
Sylvia (born Sylvia Jane Kirby), American country singer
Sylvia Earle, oceanographer
Sylvia Woods, African-American chef, restaurant owner, and "Queen of Soul Food"
Sylvia Brown, American psychic and author
Sylvia Sidney, American actress

Sylvia in song, story & screen: | Edit

Sylvia is the main character in a comic strip of the same name about a chain smoking woman with a cat.
Sylvia Llewellen-Davies, friend of playwright James Barrie in the film "Finding Neverland," played by actress Kate Winslet.
"Sylvia", 2002 biopic of Sylvia Plath, with Gwyneth Paltrow in the title role.
"Sylvia", ballet.
Sylvia is the name of the princess in the "Muzzy" videos that teach kids foreign languages.
Sylvia Weald, a witch from the 8th book in the Night World series "Black Dawn" by L.J. Smith. Sylvia Villegas 80s and 90s singer.