Sibylla

Sibylla is a female first name that originates from Latin and traces back to the Ancient Greek name Síbylla (Σίβυλλα). In antiquity, the name referred to wise and prophetically gifted women known as seers, and it has its origin in a seer of the same name from Asia Minor.

What does the name Sibylla mean?

Sibylla is derived from the Ancient Greek term Síbulla (Σίβυλλα), which means 'the prophetess' or 'the seer.' In ancient Greece, the first Sibyls were known to prophesy at sacred sites such as Delphi and Pessinos, under the influence of a deity. Over the centuries, the name has spread in various forms, including Sibyl, Sibyll, Sibylle, Sybil, Sybill, Sybilla, and Sybille. A notable bearer of this name is the botanist Maria Sibylla Merian.

Where does the name Sibylla come from?

The name Sibylla has its roots in Ancient Greek and means 'the prophetess.' The word is composed of Síbulla (Σίβυλλα), which means 'prophetess.' The name can be found in German, French, and in its Latinized form.

How do you pronounce Sibylla?

The pronunciation of Sibylla is three syllables and has a sonorous open character, which distinguishes it from Sibyl. It is pronounced as 'Si-byl-la' [ziˈbʏla] or [siˈbʏla], with the emphasis on the middle syllable. The rounded 'y' gives the name a special, slightly exotic sound nuance, while the open ending '-a' provides a gentle, feminine rounding. Sibylla sounds melodious and dignified – a name with classical depth and melodic elegance.

When is the name day of Sibylla?

The name day for Sibylla is celebrated on October 9.

Popularity

In Germany, Sibylla is a rather rare first name. In 2023, it ranked 5,633rd on the list of the most common female first names. Its best ranking was in 2011 at 2,438th place. Over the past ten years, the name has been given about 20 times, placing it at 6,382nd in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, Sibylla ranks 5,639th.

Nicknames & pet names

Billa / Billy / Sina / Sisi / Sisy

Similar first names

Famous people

• Magdalena Sibylla Rieger (German writer)
• Maria Sibylla Merian (Italian artist)
• Sibylla Budd (Australian actress)
• Sibylla Rubens (German singer)
• Sibylla Schuster (1639–1685, German writer and poet of the Baroque period)
• Sibylla Schwarz (poetess)
• Sibylla von Anhalt (1564–1614, abbess of the free secular foundation of Gernrode and Frose, later Duchess of Württemberg)
• Sibylla von Sachsen-Coburg und Gotha (1908–1972, Swedish princess, mother of King Carl XVI Gustaf)