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Home › Baby Names Directory › Sailas

Sailas

♂ Boy

Pronounced SY-lus /ˈsaɪ.ləs/High

Meaning: A modern spelling of Silas, the New Testament name of Paul's travelling companion. Silas is usually explained as a Greek short form of Silvanus, from Latin silva, 'forest' — hence 'of the forest' — though a link to Aramaic She'ila ('asked for') is also proposed. Routes debated, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A fresh spelling of Silas, the New Testament name usually read as 'of the forest' (said 'SY-lus').
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Origin LowLatin, Greek
MeaningA modern spelling of Silas, the New Testament name of Paul's travelling companion. Silas is usually explained as a Greek short form of Silvanus, from Latin silva, 'forest' — hence 'of the forest' — though a link to Aramaic She'ila ('asked for') is also proposed. Routes debated, which we note.
U.S. rank (2024)#13824 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 18

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202320202024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Sailas respells Silas, a name from the Acts of the Apostles, where Silas is Paul's companion on the road. It is generally read as a Greek shortening of Latin Silvanus, from silva ('forest'), giving 'of the forest'; an Aramaic route meaning 'asked for' has also been proposed. The ai spelling is a modern touch that keeps the sound (said 'SY-lus').

This spelling is very rare in the U.S., far behind Silas. Very rare, woodsy, and biblical.

Did you know? Silas travelled with the apostle Paul, and the name is usually traced to Silvanus — from Latin silva, 'forest'. Some scholars connect it instead to an Aramaic name meaning 'asked for'; the routes are debated, which we note.
Overall data confidence 45%
References — Sailas — Variant of Silas; Silvanus/silva ('forest'); Aramaic route debated

Variations

SilasSylasSilvanus

Nicknames

SySi

Famous Bearers

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If you like Sailas…

Silas— the standard spelling of the same name
Elias— a like biblical name with the -as ending
Cyrus— a like classic name with the same crisp shape
Miles— a like one-and-a-half beat vintage pick

Explore names like Sailas

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Sailas mean?

Sailas is a spelling of Silas, usually explained as 'of the forest' (from Latin silva, via Silvanus). An Aramaic route meaning 'asked for' is also proposed.

How do you pronounce Sailas?

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

Is Sailas a boy or girl name?

Sailas is a boy's name.

How popular is Sailas?

Sailas is a very rare spelling in the U.S.; Silas is far more common.

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