Sylas

♂ Boy

Pronounced SY-lus /ˈsaɪ.ləs/High

Meaning: Variant spelling of Silas, from Latin Silvanus meaning 'of the forest' or possibly a short form of the Greek name Silvanus; also linked to the Aramaic name SaulMedium

In 30 seconds: Sylas is a modern spelling of the ancient name Silas, which carries both biblical and woodland associations. Clean and strong, it's a fashionable alternative to traditional spellings.

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Origin HighLatin, Greek

MeaningVariant spelling of Silas, from Latin Silvanus meaning 'of the forest' or possibly a short form of the Greek name Silvanus; also linked to the Aramaic name Saul

U.S. rank (2025)#440 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births717 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 8,877

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Sylas is an alternate spelling of Silas, a name with dual roots. It may derive from the Latin Silvanus, meaning 'of the forest,' or from the Aramaic form of the Hebrew name Saul. The biblical Silas was a prominent early Christian leader mentioned in Acts and Paul's letters.

The name Silas fell out of fashion after the 19th century but experienced a strong revival in the 2000s. The Sylas spelling emerged as a contemporary variant, appealing to parents who liked the sound but preferred a more modern visual form. Both spellings now rank in the U.S. top 200.

Did you know? In the New Testament, Silas was a companion of the apostle Paul on his missionary journeys — a name that has seen a remarkable revival in the 21st century, with the Sylas spelling adding a contemporary twist.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Silas — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SilasSilvanusSilvano

Nicknames

SySly

Famous Bearers

★Silas (biblical)
Companion of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament

If you like Sylas…

Silas— the traditional spelling of the same name

Cyrus— shares the strong, ancient feel and the long-I opening sound

Atlas— another two-syllable revival name with mythological weight

Miles— crisp, classic name with a similar understated strength

Frequently Asked

What does Sylas mean?

Sylas is a variant of Silas, derived from Latin Silvanus meaning 'of the forest,' or possibly from an Aramaic form of the Hebrew name Saul.

How do you pronounce Sylas?

Sylas is pronounced SY-lus /ˈsaɪ.ləs/ — two syllables with stress on the first, identical to Silas.

Is Sylas a biblical name?

Yes. Silas, the standard spelling, was a companion of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. Sylas is a modern alternate spelling of that name.

How popular is Sylas?

Sylas has grown steadily as a variant of Silas, which ranked in the U.S. top 100 boys' names in recent years. Together both spellings are quite popular.