Silver Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationSIL-ver / /ˈsɪlvər/English; Latin
Meaning
English: precious metal; Latin: silver
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Silver has its roots in the Old English word "seolfor," which means "silver," referring to the precious metal known for its value and beauty. This term is derived from Proto-Germanic *silubrą, which is also linked to the Latin "argentum" and the Greek "argyros," both of which denote silver. The transition of the name into English can be traced through these linguistic evolutions, where the Old English term eventually influenced the modern English word "silver." As a name, Silver embodies the qualities associated with the metal, such as purity, clarity, and wealth.
Historically, silver has held significant cultural and economic importance across various civilizations. In ancient times, it was often used as currency and in trade, symbolizing wealth and status. The use of silver in jewelry and adornments can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was highly valued. The biblical references to silver, such as in the story of Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, further cement its symbolic weight in Western culture. The name Silver, while not commonly used as a personal name in historical texts, reflects these broader cultural associations with the metal.
Culturally, silver has been associated with the moon and femininity in various traditions, often symbolizing intuition and emotional depth. In literature and folklore, silver is frequently depicted as a magical or protective element, enhancing its allure as a name. The name Silver can also be seen as a diminutive or variant of names like Silvana or Silvia, which have their own rich histories tied to nature and the forest. Overall, the name Silver carries with it a legacy of beauty, value, and cultural significance that has endured through the ages.
Trend Summary
The name Silver has seen a rise in popularity as a unique and nature-inspired choice for girls.
Similar Names
Variants
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International Variants
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Famous people named Silver
Silver Surfer is a comic book character best known for Marvel Comics, The Infinity Gauntlet, and Fantastic Four.
Fictional characters named Silver
Silver is a fictional character from the video game series Sonic the Hedgehog. He is a telekinetic hedgehog who travels back in time to prevent a disastrous future.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Silver was first seen in the United States in 1915. Silver has ranked as high as #1321 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Silver has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Silver (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 9 | |
| TX | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1915 | 8 |
| 1917 | 5 |
| 1918 | 8 |
| 1919 | 13 |
| 1921 | 8 |
| 1923 | 6 |
| 1924 | 6 |
| 1925 | 6 |
| 1926 | 5 |
| 1927 | 7 |
| 1928 | 9 |
| 1931 | 7 |
| 1933 | 5 |
| 1934 | 5 |
| 1935 | 13 |
| 1936 | 9 |
| 1937 | 11 |
| 1938 | 10 |
| 1939 | 12 |
| 1940 | 8 |
| 1941 | 10 |
| 1943 | 6 |
| 1944 | 11 |
| 1945 | 5 |
| 1947 | 8 |
| 1948 | 9 |
| 1949 | 6 |
| 1950 | 6 |
| 1952 | 10 |
| 1953 | 5 |
| 1955 | 10 |
| 1956 | 7 |
| 1957 | 13 |
| 1958 | 5 |
| 1959 | 8 |
| 1960 | 10 |
| 1962 | 6 |
| 1964 | 9 |
| 1965 | 6 |
| 1966 | 7 |
| 1967 | 5 |
| 1968 | 6 |
| 1970 | 7 |
| 1972 | 10 |
| 1974 | 6 |
| 1975 | 7 |
| 1977 | 8 |
| 1978 | 11 |
| 1979 | 9 |
| 1980 | 13 |
| 1981 | 9 |
| 1982 | 18 |
| 1983 | 41 |
| 1984 | 41 |
| 1985 | 25 |
| 1986 | 18 |
| 1987 | 19 |
| 1988 | 36 |
| 1989 | 32 |
| 1990 | 28 |
| 1991 | 28 |
| 1992 | 21 |
| 1993 | 21 |
| 1994 | 20 |
| 1995 | 12 |
| 1996 | 25 |
| 1997 | 38 |
| 1998 | 26 |
| 1999 | 19 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 18 |
| 2002 | 26 |
| 2003 | 14 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2006 | 15 |
| 2007 | 10 |
| 2008 | 19 |
| 2009 | 34 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 32 |
| 2012 | 41 |
| 2013 | 35 |
| 2014 | 36 |
| 2015 | 41 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 45 |
| 2018 | 37 |
| 2019 | 51 |
| 2020 | 37 |
| 2021 | 47 |
| 2022 | 41 |
| 2023 | 55 |
| 2024 | 47 |