Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Sidney

Sidney is the transferred use of a Norman-French surname thought to be derived from a medieval baronial family name “Saint-Denis” (St. Denis being one of the patron saints of France). Alternately, Sidney is also believed to be derived from an English surname originating as a place name. The Old English words “sīdan” and “ēg” together indicated a “wide riverside meadow” which would have described the landscape in Surrey England. Evidence indicates that the Sydney/Sidney surnames have been used as given names in England since the 1700’s perhaps owing to a famous English nobleman/politician, Algernon Sidney, who got caught up in the English Civil Wars (1642-1651) revolving around King Charles I to Oliver Cromwell to the reinstatement of the monarchy with the return of Charles II. Sidney was tried for treason on shaky evidence and executed under King Charles II for apparently plotting against the king. He was later venerated as a patriot, a hero and a political martyr. Sidney’s extensive writings influenced evolving political thought in 18th century Britain and Colonial America. Furthermore, the name Sidney gained considerable popularity in the 1800’s, probably influenced by the Charles Dickens’s character Sydney Carton from “A Tale of Two Cities” (1859). Both Sidney and Sydney have mostly been considered masculine names in all English-speaking countries until the 1980’s when North America commandeered the name for little girls. The name could also be considered a “place name” referring to Sydney, Australia (often erroneously spelled Sidney).

All About the Baby Name – Sidney

Personality

OF THE UNISEX NAME SIDNEY

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE UNISEX NAME SIDNEY

As a unisex name Sidney has had quite an interesting history in the United States. For one, the name dates back to the late 19th century for both genders; although it was generally more popular for little boys. For instance, during the early 20th century, Sidney was often a Top 100 name choice for little boys, while for girls, the name was barely clinging to the charts. In fact, usage of Sidney for females pretty much went out of circulations for 40 years during the 1950s through the 1980s. Then suddenly the name reappeared for baby girls in 1990 and in less than five years surpassed the popularity of the male Sidney. Now Sidney is up for grabs. Without a doubt, though, the name has become largely feminized here in America. For instance, Sydney and Sydnee are two new variations that can only be found on the female Top 1000 list. What’s funny about Sidney is that for little boys it feels like a sweetly old-fashioned name; but for little girls it feels trendy, hip and modern.

Quick Facts

ON SIDNEY

GENDER:

Unisex

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

SID-nee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Wide riverside meadow

Characteristics

OF SIDNEY

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Sidney

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME SIDNEY

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME SIDNEY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Sidney


Popular Songs

ON SIDNEY

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Sidney


Famous People

NAMED SIDNEY

Sidney Poitier (actor)
Sidney Lumet (film director)
Sidney Sheldon (author)
Sidney Crosby (hockey player)
Sid Vicious (British musician)
Sidney Bechet (jazz musician)
Sidney Poitier (actor)
Sidney Lumet (film director)
Sidney Sheldon (author)
Sidney Crosby (hockey player)
Sid Vicious (British musician)
Sidney Bechet (jazz musician)
Sidney Poitier (actor)
Sidney Lumet (film director)
Sidney Sheldon (author)
Sidney Crosby (hockey player)
Sid Vicious (British musician)
Sidney Bechet (jazz musician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED SIDNEY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Sidney

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME SIDNEY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Sidney