"of the forest, wood-dweller"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Sylas
Boy Name
#488 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
An ancient forest name finding new roots
English
American
Earthy
Modern
Strong
Vintage
Unique
Meaning & Origin
"asked of God"
Origin: Hebrew/Aramaic
Language: English
The Story of Sylas
Sylas is an alternate spelling of Silas, derived from the Latin 'Silvanus,' the Roman god of forests and fields. The name also appears in the New Testament as a companion of the apostle Paul. The spelling Sylas emerged as a modern variant, giving the name a fresh visual identity while preserving its ancient roots in nature and faith.
Silas and its variant Sylas have risen sharply since the 2010s, fueled by parents seeking nature-adjacent names with biblical heritage. The TV drama Weeds featured a character named Silas, and the name appeared in numerous Young Adult novels, contributing to its modern appeal.
Silas/Sylas carries strong resonances in American Protestant communities through the biblical Silas, a missionary companion of Paul. George Eliot's novel Silas Marner (1861) gave the name literary prestige in the 19th century. The forest-deity origin appeals to contemporary parents drawn to nature names.
Fun Facts
- Silvanus was the Roman god specifically of uncultivated forests and wilderness
- Silas is mentioned 13 times in the New Testament as a trusted partner of Paul
Sylas in Other Languages
French
Silvain
German
Silvanus
Italian
Silvano
Spanish
Silvano
Portuguese
Silvano
Famous People Named Sylas
S
Silas Marner Fictional
Other
Protagonist of George Eliot's 1861 novel, a weaver who finds redemption through an orphaned child
S
Silas (The Vampire Diaries) Fictional
Other
Powerful immortal antagonist in the TV series The Vampire Diaries
S
Silas Black Fictional
Other
Background character in the Harry Potter universe, ancestor of Sirius Black
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #488
- Total SSA Count
- 633
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Sy
Si
Pairs Well With
Sylas James
Sylas Cole
Sylas Reed
Sylas Grey
Sylas John
Sylas Thomas
Sylas Finn
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Sylas is also used as a girl name, ranked #12085.
View Sylas as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sylas
What does the name Sylas mean?
"of the forest, wood-dweller" (from Latin). "asked of God" (from Hebrew/Aramaic). Sylas is an alternate spelling of Silas, derived from the Latin 'Silvanus,' the Roman god of forests and fields. The name also appears in the New Testament as a companion of the apostle Paul. The spelling Sylas emerged as a modern variant, giving the name a fresh visual identity while preserving its ancient roots in nature and faith.
What is the origin of the name Sylas?
Sylas has Latin, Hebrew/Aramaic, English, and American origins. In Latin, it means "of the forest, wood-dweller". In Hebrew/Aramaic, it means "asked of God".
Is Sylas a boy or girl name?
Sylas is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #488. As a girl name, it is ranked #12085. Sylas is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Sylas?
Sylas is currently ranked #488 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Sylas?
Common nicknames for Sylas include Sy and Si.
What are good middle names for Sylas?
Popular middle name pairings include Sylas James, Sylas Cole, Sylas Reed, Sylas Grey, Sylas John, Sylas Thomas, and Sylas Finn.
What are good sibling names for Sylas?
Names that pair well with Sylas as siblings include Isla, Rowan, Hazel, Callum, Fern, Jasper, and Wren.
How many syllables does Sylas have?
Sylas has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Sylas a common or rare name?
Sylas is a popular name, ranked #488 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Sylas
Sylas is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "of the forest, wood-dweller" in Latin .
Is Sylas a boy or girl name? Sylas is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #488 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #12,085. Sylas is more commonly used as a boy name.
Sylas is currently ranked #488 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Sylas has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Sylas include Sy and Si. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.