Sylvia Name Meaning & Origin
Sylvia
Origin of the name Sylvia:
A feminine form of Silvius, which is derived from silva (wood).
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
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US Popularity of Sylvia Over Time

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- Comments and insights on the name Sylvia
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. : )
My friend Sylvia is one of the most intelligent women I know if not THE most intelligent.
Sylvia and Vasily are anagrams of each other; they contain the same letters.
- Personal experiences with the name Sylvia
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.
One of my best friends is named Sylvia. She is super sweet but can be so stubborn, we butt heads tons but we also end up making up and becoming closer.
- Nicknames for Sylvia
Syl, Sylvie, Sylver, Sylva, Sib, Sibbie, Slyv, Vee, Silver
- Meanings and history of the name Sylvia
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
Sylvia Plath - American poet and novelist
Sylvia Earle - Pioneering oceanographer
Sylvia Sidney - American actress
Sylvia Hitchcock - Miss USA and Miss Universe 1967
Sylvia (born Sylvia Jane Kirby) - American country singer
Sylvia Woods - American chef
Sylvia Brown - American psychic and author- Sylvia in song, story & screen
Sylvia is the main character in a comic strip of the same name about a chain smoking woman with a cat.
Sylvia Llewellen-Davies, real-life friend of playwright James Barrie, is played by actress Kate Winslet in the film "Finding Neverland". Also made into a musical with actress Laura Michelle Kelly.
"Sylvia", 2002 biopic of Sylvia Plath, with Gwyneth Paltrow in the title role.
"Sylvia", ballet.
"Who is Sylvia?" song by Franz Schubert
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.