Silas
Silas is a boys' name of Latin origin meaning “wood, forest.” It ranked #71 in the United States in 2025. Silas derives from the Latin 'silva' (forest) and appears in the New Testament as Paul's companion.
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how do you pronounce Silas?
SY-las
where does the name Silas come from?
Generally taken as a Greek short form of Silvanus, from the Latin silva meaning wood or forest. An alternative traces it to the Aramaic form of Saul, and the New Testament's use of both Silas and Silvanus for what appears to be the same man leaves the question genuinely open.
George Eliot's 'Silas Marner' gave it literary depth. Justin Timberlake naming his son Silas helped its rapid modern ascent.
the history of Silas
Silas travelled with Paul on the second missionary journey and is imprisoned with him at Philippi, where the earthquake opens the prison doors. George Eliot's Silas Marner gave the name a nineteenth-century literary life. It fell out of use for most of the twentieth century and returned to the American top hundred in the 2020s.
how popular is this name?
Silas has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 145 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 1. It peaked at #71 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #71 |
| 2024 | #81 |
| 2023 | #80 |
| 2022 | #86 |
| 2021 | #91 |
| 2020 | #100 |
| 2019 | #105 |
| 2018 | #110 |
| 2017 | #120 |
| 2016 | #119 |
| 2010 | #219 |
| 2000 | #602 |
| 1990 | #949 |
| 1980 | #816 |
| 1970 | #968 |
| 1960 | #852 |
| 1950 | #626 |
| 1940 | #536 |
| 1930 | #426 |
| 1920 | #398 |
| 1910 | #310 |
| 1900 | #248 |
| 1890 | #167 |
| 1880 | #139 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Silas fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Silas?
- Silas Timberlake (son of Justin Timberlake)
- Silas Marner (George Eliot novel)
- Silas (biblical companion of Paul)
what are the nicknames and variants of Silas?
Nicknames
what names are similar to Silas?
what names go well with Silas?
Sibling names that share Silas's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Silas
What does the name Silas mean?
Silas means “wood, forest”.
What is the origin of the name Silas?
Silas comes from the Latin naming tradition. Related forms include Silvanus, Sylas and Szilas.
How popular is the name Silas?
Silas ranked #71 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2025, at #71, and it has spent 145 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Silas a boy or girl name?
Silas is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Silas?
Silas is pronounced SY-las, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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