Syd

♂ Boy

Pronounced SID /ˈsɪd/High

Meaning: A short form of Sidney or Sydney, from an English surname and place-name generally read as 'wide meadow' (Old English sid + eg or a Norman place-name). The Syd spelling is associated with musician Syd Barrett.Low

In 30 seconds: A one-beat short form: Syd comes from Sidney, usually read as 'wide meadow' (said 'SID').

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningA short form of Sidney or Sydney, from an English surname and place-name generally read as 'wide meadow' (Old English sid + eg or a Norman place-name). The Syd spelling is associated with musician Syd Barrett.

U.S. rank (2024)#13937 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1964

Total births (all-time)≈ 151

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Syd is the short form of Sidney or Sydney, from an English surname usually traced to Old English elements meaning 'wide meadow'. The Y-spelling gives it a jaunty, mid-century feel and a musical association with Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd. Crisp, retro, and casual (said 'SID').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, retro, and easy.

Did you know? The Syd spelling has a rock-and-roll ring to it, thanks to Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett — but the name behind it is Sidney, an old English place-name meaning 'wide meadow' (said 'SID').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Syd — Short form of Sidney/Sydney; 'wide meadow'

Variations

SidSidneySydney

Nicknames

Syddy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Syd…

Sid— the standard spelling of the same short form

Sidney— the full name behind it

Gus— a like short retro boys' name

Ozzy— a like rock-flavoured short name

Explore names like Syd

By themeenglish short nickname-name retro

By meaningEarth / Nature

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Syd mean?

Syd is a short form of Sidney or Sydney, an English name usually read as 'wide meadow'.

How do you pronounce Syd?

It's said SID /ˈsɪd/ — one syllable.

Is Syd a boy or girl name?

Syd is used here as a boy's name, though it is also used for girls as a short form of Sydney.

How popular is Syd?

Syd is a rare name for boys in the U.S.