Sylvia
Peaked at #50 nationally in 1937, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Sylvia has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
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Sylvia — Girls (United States)
RisingPeak rank
#50
in 1937
Current rank
#361
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Rising
Tracked since 1880, Sylvia reached its peak popularity for girls in 1937, ranking #50 nationally with 4,371 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has climbed from #491 (2014) to #361 (2024) — a 26% improvement.
As of 2024, Sylvia ranks #361 nationally for girls, with 863 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #361 | 863 |
| 2023 | #426 | 724 |
| 2022 | #438 | 720 |
| 2021 | #466 | 673 |
| 2020 | #502 | 605 |
| 2019 | #511 | 616 |
| 2018 | #492 | 633 |
| 2017 | #484 | 646 |
Sylvia — Boys (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#1329
in 1907
Last ranked
#9641
in 1992
Years tracked
81
1906–1992
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1906, Sylvia reached its peak popularity for boys in 1907, ranking #1329 nationally with 6 babies given the name that year.
Sylvia hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 1992, when it stood at #9641.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | #9,641 | 5 |
| 1990 | #9,333 | 5 |
| 1989 | #6,156 | 8 |
| 1988 | #5,675 | 8 |
| 1987 | #5,398 | 8 |
| 1986 | #5,856 | 7 |
| 1985 | #5,696 | 7 |
| 1984 | #3,432 | 13 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Sylvia most popular?
Sylvia was most popular in 1937, when it ranked #50 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Sylvia becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently rising; for boys, it's currently falling, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Sylvia?
At least 244,949 babies have been recorded with the name Sylvia in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Sylvia? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.