Of Latin origin.
A form of the feminine name Silvia.
From the ancient Roman masculine name Sylvius.
Sylvius derives from the Latin word “silva”, meaning “forest”, “woods”.
Associated with the ancient Greek word “ύλη” (hylee), meaning “timber”, “wood” and old English “syl”, meaning “sill”, “foundation”.
Sylvia has been listed in the USA popularity lists from the time they were initially published.
Other forms of the name are Silvia, Sylvie, Sylvi, Silva, Silvie, Sylvana, Silvija.
Famous bearers are Sylvia Plath, Sylvia Kristel, Sylvia Pankhurst, Sylvia Hoeks, Sylvia Fowles, Sylvia Miles, Sylvia Sidney, Sylvia Moy, Sylvia Kibet, etc.