Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Sylvester
BoyLatin· “of the forest”
- Meaning
- of the forest
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- sil-VES-tur
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,224
- US babies 2025
- 64
- Best rank
- #127 (1889)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Sylvester
Sylvester is a Latin name that means “of the forest”.
Sylvester comes from the Latin Silvester, meaning of the forest or wooded, from silva, forest. It was borne by Saint Sylvester I, a fourth-century pope, whose feast day falls on the last day of the year, which is why New Year's Eve is called Silvester in many European countries. The name has been used in English since the Middle Ages. It is said sil-VES-tur. Well-known bearers include actor Sylvester Stallone, and the name is also familiar from the cartoon cat Sylvester. It has a vintage, slightly whimsical style. Nicknames include Sly and Syl, and the Latin spelling Silvester is also used.
Other spellings with the same sound: Silvester.
Popularity over time
Sylvester has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 114 different years. Its best national rank was #127 in 1889, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 807 were named Sylvester. In 2025, 64 babies were named Sylvester, and it ranked #2,224 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #174 in 1920, #256 in 1950, #615 in 1980, #1,398 in 2000, #2,166 in 2010, and #2,224 in 2025. Of the 43,230 US boys named Sylvester since records began, 16% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 6,171 babies. Since 2010, 1,070 more have been named Sylvester.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Wilfred, Elbert, Ervin, Johnie, and Elwood.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Sylvester ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Florida, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #1415 | 5 |
| Florida | #1808 | 6 |
| California | #1812 | 9 |
| New York | #2007 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Sylvester is usually pronounced sil-VES-tur, with three syllables. It has nine letters, starts with S and ends in “-er”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Silvester.
Middle names for Sylvester
A few middle names that flow with Sylvester: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Sylvester
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Lists that include Sylvester
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sylvester mean?
Sylvester is a Latin name that means “of the forest”.
What is the origin of the name Sylvester?
Sylvester has Latin roots. Sylvester comes from the Latin Silvester, meaning of the forest or wooded, from silva, forest.
Is Sylvester a popular name?
Not especially. Sylvester ranked #2,224 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Sylvester a boy or girl name?
Sylvester is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Sylvester?
Sylvester is usually pronounced sil-VES-tur. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings