Origin and Meaning of Sybil

Prophetess, oracle

Origin: Greek - Derived from the Greek 'sibylla', which refers to a prophetess or oracle in ancient culture.

• In ancient Rome, the Sybils were women who were believed to have prophetic powers and were sought for their visions and guidance.
• The name Sybil has been used in various cultures, including English, where it became popular in the 19th century, influenced by literature and character development.
• Notable bearers of the name include Sybil Fawlty, a character from the British television sitcom 'Fawlty Towers', and Sybil Patrick, an influential suffragette and activist.
• Sybil experienced a surge in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become less common, although it remains a recognizable name.
• Similar names include Sibylle (French and German variant), and other related names like Sybille and Sibilla.