Silas
Silas Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
SY-las
Meaning of Silas: Silas carries two documented etymologies. The Greek Silas functions as a short form of Latin Silvanus meaning of the forest, while a second reading links the name to the Aramaic Sheela meaning asked for, a cognate of the Hebrew Saul, as detailed on etymology records.
Silas served as a leading member of the early Jerusalem church and a close companion of Paul during the second missionary travels through Asia Minor. Acts 16 records how Silas and Paul sang hymns in a Philippian prison until an earthquake opened the prison doors at midnight.
American Puritans embraced Silas during the 17th century as part of their Old and New Testament naming revival. The 1861 George Eliot novel Silas Marner: The Weaver of Raveloe became a Victorian staple across English literature classrooms, and the orphaned miser's redemption arc cemented the name's literary weight.
What Does Silas Mean? Origin & Etymology
Per US Social Security Administration records, Silas has appeared in the boys' top 1000 every year since 1880. The name climbed sharply after 2000, entered the top 200 in 2011, broke the top 100 in 2016, and peaked at rank 66 in 2023 with 4,510 births.
As of 2024, Silas holds rank 81 with 4,108 US births, close to its 2023 peak. The name performs strongest across the American South and Midwest, reflecting its evangelical Protestant resonance. Silas also ranks in the top 300 across England, Scotland, and Canada, with rising Australian interest since 2020.
Variants across languages include Latin Silvanus, Spanish Silvano, Italian Silvano, Portuguese Silvano, French Silvain, German Silvan, and Greek Silvanos. Notably, Silvan appears in US records at rank 4500 in 2024, and the feminine form Silvia has its own long classical tradition, with Silvia holding rank 770 in 2024.
How Popular Is Silas?
Numerology & Symbolism of Silas
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Silas – Similar Names & Alternatives
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity
Frequently Asked Questions about Silas
What does Silas mean?
Silas means man of the forest, from Latin Silvanus (silva = wood, forest). In the New Testament, Silas was a companion of Paul on his second missionary journey and a prophet in the early church.
What is the origin of Silas?
Silas derives from Latin Silvanus (man of the forest). The New Testament established it. George Eliot’s Silas Marner (1861) kept it in literary memory. A US revival began around 2010.
How popular is Silas in the US?
Silas ranks 81 for boys in the US as of 2024, per SSA data. It entered the top 100 in 2013 and the top 85 in 2020. Silas is especially popular in rural and evangelical communities.
What are variants of Silas?
Variants include Silvanus (the Latin full form), Silvio (Italian derivative), and Sylas (alternate spelling). Silvanus is occasionally used in formal religious contexts.
Is Silas more popular for girls or boys?
Silas is given predominantly to boys. It ranks 81 for boys in the US in 2024 and does not appear in the top 1000 girls’ names.
Silas – Name Variants & Spellings
| Variant | Language |
|---|---|
| Silvain | French |
| Silvano | Italian |
| Silvanus | Latin full form |
| Sylvanus | Latin variant |
| Silus | Spelling variant |