Sylva is a unisex given name of Latin origin, derived from the word 'silva', which means 'forest'. It gained popularity during the mid-20th century and has since been used for both boys and girls. Sylva is often associated with nature, growth, and vitality due to its connection with forests. The name is also seen as a symbol of freedom and independence, reflecting the vastness and untamed beauty of forests. In some cultures, Sylva is considered a unique and distinctive name choice that sets it apart from more traditional names. It has been used in various forms across different languages and cultures, such as Silva in Portuguese and Spanish, and Sylwan in Polish.
The name Sylva experienced varied popularity over time, with a notable rise starting from the late 1800s until peaking around World War I. The highest number of births recorded was 31 in both 1919 and 1920. After the war, its popularity declined steadily but remained consistent, averaging around 7-15 births per year between the 1920s and 1960s. However, it appears to have become quite rare again by the late 20th century, with only 5 births recorded in 2014. Overall, there were a total of 883 births named Sylva from 1886 to 2014.