Last Name Silver

Learn more about the origin of the last name Silver

The meaning and origin of the last name Silver

The surname Silver is an Old English and Jewish name derived from the Middle English word "silver," which means "silver" in modern English. As a surname, it has been used as a metonymic occupational name for a silversmith or a person who worked with silver, or as a nickname for someone with fair hair or pale complexion that resembled the color of silver. In Jewish tradition, it is often considered to be an Ashkenazic (Eastern European) surname, though it can also be found among Sephardic Jews, particularly in Spain and Portugal. The name may have originated as a baptismal surname for converts to Christianity, with the new converts adopting surnames associated with their former occupations or physical characteristics.

Geographical distribution of the last name Silver

The surname Silver is prevalent across various regions globally, with significant populations found in countries with large Jewish communities due to its Hebrew origin, meaning "money" or "silver." In the United States, Silvers are most concentrated in states such as New York, California, and Florida, reflecting historical immigration patterns of Ashkenazi Jews from Eastern Europe. In the United Kingdom, Silvers are predominantly found in London and other urban centers with high Jewish populations. In Israel, the name is common among immigrants from various countries who have settled there. Additionally, Silvers can also be found in countries like Canada, South Africa, and Australia due to further dispersals of Jewish diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Silver

The surname Silver has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include Silvers, Silveer, Sylver, and de Silva. In some cases, the name can also be found as de Sylvere or Silvère, reflecting French influences. Additionally, there may be alternative spellings such as Silvia, Silva, or Silversmith, though these are less common as surnames and more often used as given names or occupational titles, respectively. In a historical context, the name could also appear as Sylfwer, Siluver, or Sylluer in various records, particularly among immigrants from Germanic or Scandinavian backgrounds. Despite these variations, the root meaning of Silver generally remains consistent, originating from Old English words such as siolfor (silver) or seolfyr (silver-colored), ultimately deriving from a Proto-Germanic form *selb(a)ra.

Famous people with the last name Silver

Notable individuals with the surname Silver include:

1. Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson, originally named Baker), an American actress and model who was one of the most popular sex symbols of the 20th century.

2. Stanley Kubrick, a British film director, screenwriter, producer, and photographer known for films like "2001: A Space Odyssey," "A Clockwork Orange," and "The Shining."

3. Rick Silver, an American author who wrote "Soul Survivor: A True Story of Descent into Madness and the Long Road Back" about his struggle with schizophrenia.

4. Michael David Silverstein, an American sociologist known for co-authoring "Triumphs of Experience: The Men of the Harvard Grant Study," a book detailing a 75-year longitudinal study on human development and aging.

5. Billy Silverman, an American record producer who has worked with artists such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Boyz II Men.

6. Alan D. Silver, an American astronomer known for his research on white dwarfs and the detection of extrasolar planets using transit photometry.

7. Shai Agnon (Shai Agharoni), a Nobel Prize-winning Israeli writer who was born Shemaryahu Levin but is commonly known by his pen name, Shai Agnon.

Genealogical research on the last name Silver

The surname Silver has origins in several countries, primarily England and Germany. In England, it is believed to be an occupational name for a silversmith, derived from the Old English word "seolfor," meaning silver. In Germany, it is thought to be a topographic name for someone who lived near a silver mine or river, from the Middle High German word "silber." The name Silver also appears in Jewish families, as a patronymic surname meaning "son of Solomon" or "son of Silvester." Notable individuals with the last name Silver include film director Ivan Reiner Silver, musician Steven Silver, and mathematician George Pólya.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Silver"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 23 July 2025