Sylvia Dunham

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Sylvia Dunham — Latin
274K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Sylvia Dunham is a name that combines Latin origins. The first name Sylvia is a feminine given name of Latin origin. Sylvia is a feminine given name of Latin origin. The French form is Sylvie. The name originates from the Latin word for forest Silva and its meaning is spirit of the wood. The mythological god of the forest was associated with the figure of Silvanus. Sylvia was the 137th most popular girl's name in Britain in 1900. The surname Dunham: Dunham is a toponymic surname of English origin, deriving from several places named Dunham (from Old English: dun- hill, -ham home). Variations in spelling of surname Dunham are found across England, including: in Kent, Denham; in Devonshire and Nottingham, Douham; in Norfolk, Downham; and in Dorsetshire, Dynham. Individuals with the surname Dunham include: Ann Dunham (1942–1995), American anthropologist and pioneer in the field of microfinance Anne Dunham (1948–2025), British Para-equestrian Archie W. Dunham, former president and chief executive officer of Conoco Inc. Cyrus L. Sylvia is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 274K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Sylvia reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Sylvia

Latin

Sylvia is a feminine given name of Latin origin. The French form is Sylvie. The name originates from the Latin word for forest Silva and its meaning is spirit of the wood. The mythological god of the forest was associated with the figure of Silvanus. Sylvia was the 137th most popular girl's name in Britain in 1900.

Surname: Dunham

English

Dunham is a toponymic surname of English origin, deriving from several places named Dunham (from Old English: dun- hill, -ham home). Variations in spelling of surname Dunham are found across England, including: in Kent, Denham; in Devonshire and Nottingham, Douham; in Norfolk, Downham; and in Dorsetshire, Dynham. Individuals with the surname Dunham include: Ann Dunham (1942–1995), American anthropologist and pioneer in the field of microfinance Anne Dunham (1948–2025), British Para-equestrian Archie W. Dunham, former president and chief executive officer of Conoco Inc. Cyrus L.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Sylvia is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Sylvia by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Sylvia Dunham

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Sylvia Dunham:

5
Expression Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

5
Soul Urge Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

9
Personality Number

Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Sylvia?
The first name Sylvia originates from Latin. Sylvia is a feminine given name of Latin origin. The French form is Sylvie. The name originates from the Latin word for forest Silva and its meaning is spirit of the wood. The mythological god of the forest was associated with the figure of Silvanus. Sylvia was the 137th most popular girl's name in Britain in 1900.
When was Sylvia most popular?
The name Sylvia reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Dunham?
The surname Dunham originates from English. Dunham is a toponymic surname of English origin, deriving from several places named Dunham (from Old English: dun- hill, -ham home). Variations in spelling of surname Dunham are found across England, including: in Kent, Denham; in Devonshire and Nottingham, Douham; in Norfolk, Downham; and in Dorsetshire, Dynham. Individuals with the surname Dunham include: Ann Dunham (1942–1995), American anthropologist and pioneer in the field of microfinance Anne Dunham (1948–2025), British Para-equestrian Archie W. Dunham, former president and chief executive officer of Conoco Inc. Cyrus L.
What are the origins of the name Sylvia Dunham?
The name Sylvia Dunham combines two different traditions: the first name Sylvia has Latin roots, while the surname Dunham originates from English.
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