The name Sylvia, of Latin origin, is derived from the word 'silva', meaning 'forest'. It was originally used as a term for the forest nymphs in Roman mythology. Sylvia entered popular usage during the Middle Ages through the work of Geoffrey Chaucer, who featured a character named 'Cristofe's wife Syvyle' in his Canterbury Tales. The name Sylvia gained significant popularity in the 19th century and has since been widely used throughout the English-speaking world.
"Sylvia peaked in popularity during the mid-30s to late 40s with over 19 births in some years. After a decline post-WWII, it had resurgences in the late 60s and early 70s, but has since become quite rare with fewer than 10 births per year since the mid-80s."