Sybil
How to say it: SIB-uhl · /ˈsɪbəl/
From Greek 'sibylla' meaning prophetess or oracle - ancient name revived in Victorian era and Downton Abbey.
Sybil was the 1,073rd most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 152 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1920s, its births are up about 67% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #948 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #1,073 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 152 |
| Share of births | 1 in 18,944 |
| Peak decade | 1920s |
| Change over 10 years | +67% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #948 |
| In France, 2025 | #241 among girls’ names, 10 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Far below its high in the 1920s, it remains in steady use. The next few years should bring a small lift.
What goes with it
Crisp and breathy with an old soul charm. Edith feels close in mood.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Sybil is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Greek.
In France: #241 for girls in 2025.
Famous people named Sybil
- Sybil Danning (born 1947)Austrian actress
- Sybil Bauer (1903–1927)American swimmer, Olympic gold medalist, former world record-holder
- Sybil Thorndike (1882–1976)British actress
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Good to know
- Sybil Fawlty, formidable hotelier wife in BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers
Keep exploring
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