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.
Discover Your Sylvester Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Sylvester ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Sylvester Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Sylvester Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Sylvester
- ✓ The Sylvester coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Sylvester families live today
- ✓ Notable Sylvester bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Sylvester
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Sylvester.
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
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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