Where does “Sylvester” come from?

Sylvester derives from Latin sylvester, an adjective formed from Latin silva meaning "forest," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European roots sel- and ser-.

Sylvester (English): used in English since the sixteenth century

Definitions

  1. used in English since the sixteenth century

Ancestry of “Sylvester”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1LatinsylvesterAlternative form of silvester; woody, rural
2Latinsilvawood, forest; orchard, grove
3Proto-Indo-Europeansēl-to calm, quiet, be favourable
Every word from Proto-Indo-European sēl-Every word from Latin silvaEvery word from Latin sylvester
Sylvester — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer