Are you curious about Sydney name meaning? Hidden within every name are special interpretations and stories to be told. Whether you’re inspired by the most famous city in Australia or struck by its cheerful pronunciation, figuring out Sydney’s meaning is a must.
This article provides you with everything, from the name roots, popular meanings, and its popularity, to help you make the decision. Also, I’ll keep you updated about the middle names and sibling names that are perfect next to “Sydney”.
Basic Facts To Know About Sydney
Before moving to detailed explanations, you can check out this table for quick facts about the name Sydney:
Meaning | Wide meadow, Saint-Denis, from this place, enticer |
Origin | French, Old English, Australian, Hebrew |
Pronunciation | /sid-nee/ |
Gender | Sydney has been preferred as a feminine name in recent years. |
Popularity | A common girl’s name in the US. Sydney’s popularity took off in 1985 when the name entered the top 500th most used female names. In 2021, Sydney was the country’s 249th most popular name for baby girls. |
Variations | Cydney, Cidney, Sidney, Sydne, Sydnie, etc. |
Nicknames | Cindy, Cici, Cece, Nee, Nee Nee, Nene, Sid, Sinnie, Sisi, Syd, etc. |
Similar Names | Adley, Ainsley, Everly, Lindsey, Sadie, Sonny, Stanley, Sunny, Sylvia, Sylvie, Tiffany, Whitney, Winnie, etc. |
Sibling Names | For Boys: Anthony, Logan, Perry, Seth, Solomon, Thomas, etc. For Girls: Celine, Kelsey, Madison, Nadia, Natalie, Selena, etc. |
Middle Names | For Girls: Caroline, Emma, Elise, Kathryn, Kendall, Kendall, Hannah, Rose, Sage, etc. |
The Name Sydney: Origin & Meaning Explained
Sydney carries different meanings across cultures. One of its widely acceptable roots is in Old English. The name is thought to come from the Anglo-Saxon place name “sīdan īege”, translating “wide island” or “wide water meadow”.
Sydney is also derived from the patron Saint of French, Saint-Denis, and the eponymous French city. Saint-Denis, or Denis of Paris, was the bishop of Paris in the 3rd century.
Legends tell that after being beheaded on Montmartre, angels accompanied him as he carried his head to the burial site (1). Saint-Denis is an ever-lasting inspiration for artists around the world.
Sydney is also the name of the most populated Australian city. It was named after British politician Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney (1733-1800). This locational name also has a separate meaning – “from this place”.
On the other hand, of Hebrew origin, Sydney refers to “enticer”. With various interpretations, babies named Sydney will never lack the inspiration to strive for great things in their life.
What’s The Gender Of The Name Sydney?
Sydney is more prominent as a feminine name in the US. It might come down to personal preferences, but it’s probably because of the ending “y” that gives the name extra femininity.
It was occasionally given to boys in the past but now is out of the top 1000 most popular masculine names. The name also gained some traction in Canada, where it was preferably used for baby girls, too.
Is Sydney A Popular Name?
Sydney has been a commonly used name for girls in the US in the past few decades.
The name appeared in the SSA’s chart in the early 1900s, but it was not until 1985 that it burst into the top 500. It was the 23th most used girl name for four years straight, from 1999 to 2002.
According to the latest data from the Social Security Association, Sydney secured the 249th spot in the popularity chart for girls (2).
As a boy name, Sydney also joined the top 1000 most common names until 1996. Besides the US, Sydney is also frequently used in Canada, England, and Wales.
Variations Of The Name Sydney
Syd is a pet form of Sydney (can also double as a nickname, and is primarily given to boys. Sydney also has many spelling variants across cultures; here are some of the most common:
Great Nicknames And Names Similar To Sydney
Sydney is cheerful and easy to spell out. However, these spunky nicknames will give the name a run for its money:
In case you’re expanding your baby name lists, similar names to Sydney are also good sources to consider. Check out these options that might tickle your fancy:
Sibling Names That Go Perfectly With Sydney
There are different approaches to naming Sydney’s brothers and sisters. However, perhaps the best idea is to choose names that can show who the kids are as a family.
For Son
For sons, you may consider these boy names that stand next to Sydney in harmony:
This is also a biblical boy name. Thomas was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.
For Daughter
Sydney is a fantastic name, but you’ll need equally pretty names for other girls, too.
Middle Names To Pair With Sydney
If you choose Sydney, let’s finish the other half name-choosing battle with a wonderful (and matching) middle name!
Notable Use Of Sydney In Popular Culture
Not only is Sydney frequently given to real people, but it also shows up in popular culture and entertainment:
Famous People With The Name Sydney
Since Sydney is quite a common name, it’s no wonder that there are many famous personalities bearing the name. Below are perhaps the most notable examples:
With Sydney As A Given Name
Sydney, as a given name, is having its moment in modern times, and here is proof:
With Sydney As A Surname
Sydney is occasionally chosen as a surname. Below is a short list of celebrities with “Sydney” as their surname.
FAQs
Also, browse through these common concerns about the name that might help you make a better decision:
Is “Sydney” A Thoughtful Choice For You?
If you’re considering Sydney as a potential name, I hope now you can come to a final decision. There are many factors going into a name, so if Sydney has a high overall score, then go for it!
I’m glad to know what you think about this name, so feel free to write a comment and drop it into the box. Share this article and check out my other name analysis if you’re still open to more options.
References
- britannica.com. 2022. St. Denis bishop of Paris
- ssa.gov. 2022. The Popularity Of A Name
- biblestudytools.com. 2020. Cain and Abel – Bible Story
Helen Doanna
Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator
Expertise
Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher
Education
1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US
Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.