The nameSilvia

Silvia is the Italian and Spanish form of Sylvia, meaning "of the forest".

Meaning

Silvia comes from the Latin silva, "forest".

Origin

Latin.

History

Rhea Silvia was the mother of Romulus and Remus. Queen Silvia of Sweden is a famous bearer. In the United States the name reached 494th in 1974.

Famous people named Silvia

Popularity of the name Silvia

Silvia in the United States

1163rdmost popular girls' name in the United States in 2024
1991peak year (374 births)
21,135babies named Silvia in the United States since 1880
0187374 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Silvia was most popular in the United States in the 1980s, with 3,289 births over the decade, 16% of all recorded babies named Silvia. Its rise began around 1916, and it peaked in 1991. Half of all babies named Silvia in the United States were born before 1982, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 170 births a year.

Silvia in France

1807thmost popular girls' name in France, latest official figures
1977peak year (120 births)
2,230babies named Silvia in France since 1900
060120 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Silvia was most popular in France in the 1970s, with 810 births over the decade, 36% of all recorded babies named Silvia. Its rise began around 1951, and it peaked in 1977. Half of all babies named Silvia in France were born before 1975, so it is mostly a parents' generation name.

Silvia in Austria

2143rdmost popular girls' name in Austria in 2025
1984peak year (330 births)
2,477babies named Silvia in Austria since 1984
0165330 198519901995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Austria. Source: Statistik Austria (until 2009, Austrian nationals only).

Variants and related names

Sibling names for Silvia

Names from the same generation as Silvia, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Silvia? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Silvia with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Silvia side by side with the name of your choice.

Silvia in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Silvia mean?

Silvia comes from the Latin silva, "forest".

What is the origin of the name Silvia?

Latin.

Is Silvia a girl's or a boy's name?

Silvia is a girl's name.

How popular is the name Silvia?

In 2024, Silvia was the 1163rd most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 206 births.

What are the variants of the name Silvia?

Variants and related names of Silvia include Sylvie.

What are good sibling names for Silvia?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Celia, Martina, Constance and Antonia for a sister, Salvatore, Quentin, Anton and Pablo for a brother.

Who are famous people named Silvia?

Queen Silvia of Sweden; Silvia Pinal, actress.