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Sylvie

♀ Girl

Pronounced SIL-vee /ˈsɪlvi/High

Meaning: From the forest; spirit of the woodsHigh

In 30 seconds: A delicate French form of Sylvia meaning 'from the forest.' Sylvie is the Parisian touch on a Latin woodland name — light, nature-drenched, and utterly charming, with the feel of sunlight through green leaves.
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Origin HighFrench, Latin
MeaningFrom the forest; spirit of the woods
U.S. rank (2025)#282 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,096 girls (0.06% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 8,438

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519092025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Sylvie is the French form of Sylvia, derived from the Latin silva (forest, woodland). The name has deep roots in Roman mythology: Rhea Silvia was the legendary Vestal Virgin and mother of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. Saint Silvia was the mother of Pope Gregory the Great.

As a French variant, Sylvie has been used widely in France and Quebec for centuries. In the English-speaking world, it entered wider use in the 20th century and has been reviving strongly as parents seek nature names with French elegance. It entered the U.S. top 500 for girls in the 2010s and continues to climb.

Did you know? The Roman goddess Silvanus was the guardian of forests and fields, and Silvia was the name of the mother of Romulus and Remus — making the Sylv- root one of the oldest in Roman mythology.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Sylvie — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SylviaSilviaSilvie

Nicknames

SylVivi

Famous Bearers

  • ★Sylvie Guillem (1965–present)
    French ballet dancer, considered one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century.

If you like Sylvie…

Celeste— French classic with the same nature-and-sky pedigree and understated elegance
Vivienne— French feminine name with the same woodland-meets-Parisian-chic register
Flora— Latin flower-and-nature name with the same classical Roman mythology roots
Margot— French vintage name with the same crisp, sophisticated Parisian revival energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Sylvie mean?

Sylvie is a French form of Sylvia, meaning 'from the forest' or 'spirit of the woods,' from the Latin silva (forest).

How do you pronounce Sylvie?

It is said SIL-vee /ˈsɪlvi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Sylvie a boy or girl name?

Sylvie is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Sylvie?

Sylvie entered the U.S. top 500 for girls in the 2010s and has been climbing toward the top 300.