The nameSilas
Silas is a boy's name of Latin and Aramaic origin, linked to Silvanus, "of the forest". It has been rising in the United States.
- Boy's name
- Latin and Aramaic
- Feast day
Meaning
Silas is a short form of Silvanus, from the Latin silva, "forest". It may also come from the Aramaic form of Saul, "asked for".
Origin
Latin and Aramaic. In the Acts of the Apostles, Silas is a companion of Saint Paul on his journeys.
History
George Eliot's novel Silas Marner (1861) is a famous use of the name. It rose quickly in the United States in the 2010s and is in the top 100.
Famous people named Silas
- Silas, companion of Saint Paul
- Silas Marner, George Eliot's hero
- Silas Weir Mitchell, actor
Popularity of the name Silas
Silas in the United States
Silas was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 29,692 births over the decade, 42% of all recorded babies named Silas. Its rise began around 2002, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Silas in the United States were born before 2015, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 3,973 births a year on average, against 3,417 in the five years before.
Silas in the United Kingdom
Silas was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 361 births over the decade, 35% of all recorded babies named Silas. Half of all babies named Silas in the United Kingdom were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 63 births a year on average, against 42 in the five years before.
Silas in France
Silas in Switzerland
Silas in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Silas
Names from the same generation as Silas, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Silas? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Silas with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Silas side by side with the name of your choice.
Silas in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Silas mean?
Silas is a short form of Silvanus, from the Latin silva, "forest". It may also come from the Aramaic form of Saul, "asked for".
What is the origin of the name Silas?
Latin and Aramaic. In the Acts of the Apostles, Silas is a companion of Saint Paul on his journeys.
Is Silas a girl's or a boy's name?
Silas is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Silas?
In 2024, Silas was the 81st most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 4,108 births.
What are the variants of the name Silas?
Variants and related names of Silas include Saul.
What are good sibling names for Silas?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Valentina, Stella, Juliette and Camila for a sister, Roman, Weston, Leo and August for a brother.
Who are famous people named Silas?
Silas, companion of Saint Paul; Silas Marner, George Eliot's hero; Silas Weir Mitchell, actor.