Sylvester
/sɪlˈvɛstər/noun
A masculine given name derived from Latin, meaning connected with the forest or woodland.
Did you know?Saint Sylvester I, whose name carried this woodland meaning, was pope during Constantine’s reign and later became associated with New Year’s Eve in several European traditions.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
silva
“Forest, woodland, or grove”
Classical Latin
Latin
silvester
“Wooded, wild, or belonging to the forest”
4th Century
Late Latin
Silvester
“A Roman personal name derived from the woodland adjective”
4th Century
Latin
Sanctus Silvester
“Saint Sylvester, the name of Pope Sylvester I”
Medieval English
English
Silvester
“A personal name adopted through Christian and ecclesiastical tradition”
Modern English
English
Sylvester
“A masculine given name, also used as a surname”
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