"of the forest"
Origin: Latin (Silvanus)
Language: English
Silas
Pronunciation: [ s-EYEL-uhs ]
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A New Testament gem with deep forest roots
English
American
Biblical
Vintage
Earthy
Literary
Strong
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"forest, woods"
Origin: Greek (Silas, biblical companion of Paul)
Language: English
"wood, forest; man of the forest"
Origin: Latin silva
Language: English
"asked for, prayed for"
Origin: Aramaic Sha'ul
Language: Aramaic
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The Story of Silas
Silas is a Latin and Greek form of the Aramaic name 'Sha'ul' (Saul), though it may also derive from the Latin 'silva' meaning 'wood' or 'forest.' In the New Testament, Silas was a prominent early Christian missionary and companion of the Apostle Paul. The name was popular among Puritans and early American settlers.
Silas experienced a major revival starting around 2010 as parents sought biblical names that felt fresh. It climbed from obscurity to the US Top 100 by 2015. TV shows like The Vampire Diaries featured a character named Silas, adding pop culture momentum.
In George Eliot's 1861 novel Silas Marner, the name is borne by a reclusive weaver whose life is transformed by finding an orphaned child. This gave the name strong literary and moral resonance in English culture. Among Evangelical Christian families, Silas is cherished for its New Testament roots.
Historical Record
Silas first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 62,515 babies have been named Silas in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Silas is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #81 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Silas appears in Acts of the Apostles as one of Paul's most trusted missionary companions
- George Eliot's novel Silas Marner (1861) is a classic of Victorian literature
- The name shares its root with 'sylvan' (relating to forests) — making it one of the most quietly earthy names in the Bible
Silas in Other Languages
Greek
Σίλας (Silas)
Latin
Silvanus
French
Silas
German
Silas
Italian
Silvano
Spanish
Silas
Popularity Over Time
#81
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Silas
S
Silas House
Writer
1971
American novelist and playwright from Kentucky known for Clay's Quilt and A Parchment of Leaves
S
Silas Weir Mitchell
Actor
1966
American actor known for playing Monroe in the NBC supernatural drama Grimm
S
Silas (Bible)
Religious
Early Christian missionary in the New Testament, companion of Paul on his missionary journeys through Greece and Asia Mi...
Early Christian missionary in the New Testament, companion of Paul on his missionary journeys through Greece and Asia Minor
S
Silas Marner Fictional
Other
The title character of George Eliot's 1861 novel, a lonely weaver whose life is transformed by an orphaned child
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Compare Silas with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #81
- Total SSA Count
- 4,108
- Cultural Origins
- English American Biblical
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Si
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Silas
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Silas is also used as a girl name, ranked #7305.
View Silas as a girl name →Similar Names
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"son of Hudd"
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"fortified hill"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Silas
What does the name Silas mean?
"of the forest" (from Latin (Silvanus)). "forest, woods" (from Greek (Silas, biblical companion of Paul)). "wood, forest; man of the forest" (from Latin silva). "asked for, prayed for" (from Aramaic Sha'ul). Silas is a Latin and Greek form of the Aramaic name 'Sha'ul' (Saul), though it may also derive from the Latin 'silva' meaning 'wood' or 'forest.' In the New Testament, Silas was a prominent early Christian missionary and companion of the Apostle Paul. The name was popular among Puritans and early American settlers.
What is the origin of the name Silas?
Silas has Latin (Silvanus), Greek (Silas, biblical companion of Paul), Latin silva, Aramaic Sha'ul, English, American, and Biblical origins. In Latin (Silvanus), it means "of the forest". In Greek (Silas, biblical companion of Paul), it means "forest, woods". In Latin silva, it means "wood, forest; man of the forest". In Aramaic Sha'ul, it means "asked for, prayed for".
Is Silas a boy or girl name?
Silas is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #81. As a girl name, it is ranked #7305. Silas is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Silas?
Silas is pronounced s-EYEL-uhs.
How popular is the name Silas?
Silas is currently ranked #81 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Silas?
Popular middle name pairings include Silas James, Silas August, Silas Everett, Silas Cole, Silas Finn, Silas John, and Silas Gray.
What are good sibling names for Silas?
Names that pair well with Silas as siblings include Ezra, Jasper, Amos, Iris, Wren, Phoebe, and Ezra.
How many syllables does Silas have?
Silas has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Silas a common or rare name?
Silas is a very popular name, ranked #81 among boy names in the United States.
About the Name Silas
Silas is a boy name with English, American, and Biblical origins . The name means "of the forest" in Latin (Silvanus) .
Is Silas a boy or girl name? Silas is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #81 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #7,305. Silas is more commonly used as a boy name.
Silas is currently ranked #81 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Silas has 2 syllables and is pronounced s-EYEL-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Silas include Si. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis