Sidney

The name Sidney has its roots in England, but its exact origin is disputed. One theory suggests that it is derived from an old English place name, possibly related to the town of Sydling in Dorset.

Another theory links Sidney to the French surname 'St. Denis', which originates from the name of the 3rd-century Christian martyr St. Denis, who was the patron saint of France. The name St. Denis later became anglicized to Sidney.

Regardless of its specific origins, the name Sidney has been in use in England since the Middle Ages and was particularly popular among the English aristocracy. It gained further prominence through famous bearers such as Sir Philip Sidney, a renowned 16th-century poet and soldier.

While Sidney is traditionally a masculine name, it has also been used as a feminine name in more recent times, though its usage as a boy's name is still more common.