Syd is a unisex given name of Welsh origin, meaning "prince". It gained popularity as a shortened form of Sydney in the mid-20th century and has since been used independently. Syd is also associated with some famous figures such as Syd Barrett, the founding member of the British rock band Pink Floyd, and Syd Field, an American screenwriter and teacher known for his work on screenplay structure. The name Syd tends to evoke a sense of simplicity and familiarity due to its short length, making it appealing for those who prefer concise names.
The name Syd experienced a notable increase in popularity between 1903 and 1912, with a significant spike in births in 1912, the highest year on record with 16 births. However, it's important to note that these statistics are not inclusive of every birth that may have occurred during these years, as some parents might have chosen not to use Syd or may have recorded their child's name differently. Overall, Syd was a relatively uncommon name during this period, with only 80 total births recorded between 1903 and 1916.