What is Syl short for?

In old records, Syl is usually short for Sylvester. It can also stand for Sylvanus and Sylvia. You will find it in American records, chiefly 1800s-1900s. The Syl-to-Sylvester jump is easy to miss, so it is worth searching both when you hit a dead end.

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FAQs

Does Syl always mean Sylvester?+

Not always. Syl most often stands for Sylvester, but it also appears for Sylvanus and Sylvia. Confirm against the actual record before you rely on it.

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