I recently began to adore [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] for a boy. I like that it has connections to the forest, as well as to the minor [name_m]Roman[/name_m] god of the forest. For me it evokes the image of silver-tinged trees in late afternoon. I think it sounds approachable and interesting, reminiscent of [name_m]Calvin[/name_m]. But is it realistically wearable? Would a boy hate having it as a name?
I asked someone recently on Nameberry and she said it reminded her too much of [name_f]Sylvie[/name_f], and is thus too feminine and unusual. I don’t mind that it’s a little feminine, but I wonder if I’m missing something, since so many people seem to dislike it? Perhaps because it’s an adjective?
Nope, I love it too! I slightly prefer the [name_m]Silvan[/name_m] spelling but I totally agree with you: strong, simple, unusual and with a lovely silvery outdoorsy vibe to it. It’s a great name!
I have been crushing on this name a lot lately. I think it sounds sort of mysterious, if that makes sense. Plus it is much fresher than [name_m]Sylvester[/name_m], which is a family name. The only thing I don’t love about it is that it doesn’t seem to have great nickname options, and I love nns. Maybe [name_m]Sly[/name_m]?
I also really like [name_u]Linden[/name_u], which has a similar foresty feel.
Thanks @katinka! I like the [name_m]Silvan[/name_m] spelling too, I just slightly prefer it with the “y” because I’m used to seeing it that way. Both are lovely though. [name_f]Glad[/name_f] you like it as well :).
@eizariya, I had the same thought about nicknames. I’m thinking maybe [name_m]Sy[/name_m] (like “sigh”)? I love [name_u]Linden[/name_u] as well! I think it’s gorgeous, but I feel a little weird saying it over and over again for some reason since it’s a bit rhymey. It’s definitely on my list though!
I really like it. There’s a sporting goods shop in my favorite [name_u]Montana[/name_u] town called [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] [name_m]Peak[/name_m] Outfitters, so I think outdoors, mountains, rugged, etc. But there is also a chain of learning centers for kids in our area with the name, so I’m not sure I’d use it. Definitely not too feminine though.
I really like the name [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m]! It definitely has a woodsy, natural vibe. It is a little feminine to me (because of [name_f]Sylvie[/name_f] & [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f]), but not so much that it’s unusable. I like [name_m]Sly[/name_m] for a nickname, or [name_u]Sal[/name_u] or [name_u]Van[/name_u]. All in all, it’s a great name!
I think [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] is a great name. I prefer the spelling [name_m]Silvan[/name_m], as a pp mentioned, but that is just a matter of personal preference. I love the forest connection too!
I find it very interesting that [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] is perceived as somewhat feminine, that would never cross my mind! It feel all boy to me, maybe because I know two Sylvans (and only one [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f]). They seem to be managing well in life and don’t seem any worse off for their name! I think it’s a great, strong name, almost classic but not too common, with lovely imagery.
I think it’s wearable and I like it. It doesn’t seem particularly feminine although it’s understandable that some people might mix it up with [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] on accident because [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] isn’t a very common name. It brings to my mind a similar image to what you described. I think it would work well on a child or an adult.
I absolutely love [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m]! I think it’s so handsome, and I love the meaning.
I definitely think it’s wearable, and it doesn’t seem feminine to me.
nickname could be [name_m]Sly[/name_m], [name_m]Sy[/name_m], or [name_u]Van[/name_u]! I think they’re all adorable.
I’ve always loved [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m]! My only hesitancy is because of the learning centers, but I don’t think that’s a big deal. Unfortunately, my husband doesn’t like it, though we agree on the similar [name_m]Evander[/name_m]!
Anyway, I just love the imagery of [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m]. It gives me a [name_u]Robin[/name_u] Hood vibe haha. I think it’s effortlessly cool but simple. It fits in perfectly with today’s trends while remaining unusual. I’m honestly shocked that so few people consider it. I also think that of the similar [name_u]Sterling[/name_u] and [name_m]Stellan[/name_m].
Thank you to all who replied! I’m glad so many of you like the name, that’s very encouraging :).
I also noticed the connection with the [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] Learning Center, which I actually didn’t originally notice until I Googled the name. I live in the States so it’s a bit of a shame because a lot of people will make the connection, especially since the name is unusual to begin with. But I suppose there are much worse kinds of institutions to be associated with!
I love [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m]! I think [name_u]Van[/name_u] could be a good nickname, or even [name_m]Vin[/name_m] or [name_m]Sy[/name_m] (sai).
The [name_m]French[/name_m] version [name_m]Sylvain[/name_m] was widely used in the 60s/70s (guessing by the ages of Sylvains I’ve met in [name_f]France[/name_f]) which made [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] a top choice for me when I was looking for [name_m]French[/name_m]/American boys names. That said, when I shared it with my family in the US, EVERYONE said “like the learning center?” Still, at least isn’t not a negative association and means people will know how to pronounce it. It wouldn’t have stopped me, but ultimately my husband wasn’t crazy about it so we didn’t use it. I would still love to meet a little [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] though!!
While I like [name_f]Sylvie[/name_f] for a girl, I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] for a boy. It is definitely a male name and how you envision it is beautiful. I love the comination of [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] [name_u]Danube[/name_u].
