Origin & Meaning of the Sylvester Surname
What does the last name Sylvester mean?
The surname Sylvester carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,896 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sylvester ranks as the #1,901 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sylvester come from?
The Sylvester surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Sylvester name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sylvester trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Sylvester |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,901 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,896 |
| Per 100K People | 6.41 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sylvester
According to the US Census, the Sylvester surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,896 Americans with the Sylvester last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.96% |
| Black | 20.72% |
| Hispanic | 2.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.91% |
| Native American | 0.83% |
| Two or More Races | 1.93% |
Popularity of Sylvester Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sylvester surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sylvester surname increased by 451 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Sylvester.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sylvester
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