Silas

♂ Boy

Pronounced SY-lus /ˈsaɪ.ləs/High

Meaning: Possibly from Latin silva (forest/wood) or Aramaic form of Saul; exact origin disputedMedium

In 30 seconds: A quietly distinguished New Testament name of uncertain origin — possibly meaning 'man of the forest' from Latin. Silas traveled with Paul in Acts and has emerged as a stylish, understated modern favorite.

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Origin MediumLatin, Aramaic

MeaningPossibly from Latin silva (forest/wood) or Aramaic form of Saul; exact origin disputed

Peak year2013

Total births (all-time)≈ 43,797

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Silas appears in the New Testament as a companion of the Apostle Paul. The name may be a Latin form of Silvanus (from silva, forest) or a Greek form of the Aramaic Sha'ul (Saul). Scholars debate the origin.

Silas was fairly common in 19th-century America among Protestant communities. It fell out of fashion but has staged a strong revival in the 21st century, now ranking in the U.S. top 100 boys' names.

Did you know? Silas Marner (1861) by George Eliot, the story of a linen-weaver redeemed by the love of a child, helped keep the name in the English cultural imagination through the 19th century.

Variations

SilvanusSylvanusSilius

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Silas (New Testament) (1st century AD)
Companion of the Apostle Paul, mentioned throughout the Acts of the Apostles.

If you like Silas…

Elijah— Biblical classic with the same quiet strength and modern revival

Levi— short Biblical name with the same understated, dignified appeal

Callum— two-syllable classic with the same soft-spoken gravitas

Jasper— vintage name with the same quiet cool and earthy quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Silas mean?

Silas is of disputed origin — it may come from the Latin silva (forest) or be a Greek form of the Aramaic Saul. 'Man of the forest' is a common interpretation.

How do you pronounce Silas?

It is said SY-lus /ˈsaɪ.ləs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Silas a boy or girl name?

Silas is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Silas?

Silas has been climbing steadily and now ranks in the U.S. top 100 boys' names.