Gender: Primarily male
Origin: Latin, Hebrew
Meaning: “Forest”, “Woods”, or “Of the forest”; alternatively “Asked of God” or “God has heard”
Pronunciation: SYE-luhs
Meaning of the Name Silas
Silas has two main origin stories. The first comes from the Latin silva meaning “forest” or “woods,” suggesting someone who lives in or is connected to the forest. The second possible origin is from the Hebrew name Saul or Shaul, meaning “asked for” or “prayed for.” In the Bible, Silas was a respected early Christian missionary who accompanied Paul on his journeys.
Historical Significance of Silas
Silas appears in the New Testament as a companion of Paul and is described as a leader in the early Christian church. He’s mentioned multiple times in the Book of Acts and was known for his teaching and prophetic abilities.
Beyond biblical references, the name maintained modest usage throughout history but wasn’t especially common until recent decades. It has a strong historical feel that connects to both natural elements and religious tradition.
Common Nicknames for Silas
- Si
- Sy
- Silo
- Lee
- Sly
How Popular Is Silas?
Silas has been climbing the popularity charts steadily since the early 2000s. In the US, it entered the top 100 names for boys in 2017 and has continued to rise. It’s part of the trend toward vintage names with a strong, classic sound that aren’t overused.
As of 2024, Silas typically ranks between 80-100 on the US popularity charts. It’s more popular in some regions, particularly in the South and Midwest.
The name has a nice sweet spot – recognizable but not overly common. You probably won’t find three Silases in one classroom, but most people will have heard the name before.
Famous People Named Silas
- Silas Weir Mitchell (American actor known for roles in “Prison Break” and “Grimm”)
- Silas Marner (fictional character but so well-known he deserves mention here)
- Silas Deane (American Revolutionary-era diplomat)
- Silas House (Award-winning American novelist)
- Silas Duncan (19th-century US Navy officer)
- Silas Redd (Former NFL player)
Fictional Characters Named Silas
- Silas Marner (protagonist of George Eliot’s novel “Silas Marner”)
- Silas (villain in “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown)
- Uncle Silas (title character in J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s Gothic novel)
- Silas from the video game “The Last of Us”
- Silas (vampire character in “The Vampire Diaries”)
- Silas Ramsbottom (character in “Despicable Me 2”)
Silas in Literature and Pop Culture
Silas has a rich presence in literature, most famously as the title character in George Eliot’s “Silas Marner,” the story of a weaver whose life is transformed when he adopts a child. The name carries a literary weight that gives it substance and depth.
In modern pop culture, the name got a boost when Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel named their son Silas in 2015. The character of Silas in the popular video game “The Last of Us” also helped bring the name to a younger audience.
The name often appears in period pieces or fantasy settings, where it conveys an old-world charm that feels both distinctive and timeless.
Personality Traits Associated with Silas
Names don’t determine personality, of course, but certain names do carry cultural associations. People often associate Silas with:
- Thoughtfulness and contemplation
- A connection to nature and the outdoors
- Quiet strength and resilience
- Intelligence and creativity
- A blend of old-fashioned values with modern thinking
- Independence and self-reliance
The name has a gentle yet masculine quality that suggests depth without aggression.
Similar Names to Silas
- Cyrus
- Miles
- Felix
- Linus
- Jasper
- Elias
- Milo
Alternate Spellings for Silas
- Sylas
- Silus
- Sylus
- Cylus
- Silias
Pronunciation Variations Around the World
- English: SYE-luhs
- French: see-LAHS
- Spanish: SEE-lahs
- German: ZEE-lahs
- Italian: SEE-lahs
Parents Who Like Silas Also Like
- Ezra
- Atticus
- Felix
- Theodore
- August
- Emmett
- Jasper
- Oliver
Baby Name Lists That Include Silas
- Vintage Names Making a Comeback
- Biblical Names with Modern Appeal
- Nature-Inspired Boy Names
- Strong Yet Gentle Boy Names
- Literary Character Names
- Short and Sweet Boy Names
- Names with Woodland Connections
Silas for Both Genders
While Silas is traditionally a boy’s name, some parents are beginning to consider it for girls, particularly with the nickname “Si” or “Sy.” However, this usage is still quite rare. The name hasn’t yet crossed into common usage as a unisex name the way names like Riley or Avery have.
Sibling Name Ideas
For Brothers:
- Asher
- Ezra
- Felix
- Hugo
- Jasper
- Leo
- Theo
For Sisters:
- Ada
- Clara
- Hazel
- Ivy
- Phoebe
- Ruby
- Willa
Names with the Same Meaning as Silas
- Silvio/Silvius (Latin for “of the forest”)
- Forest/Forrest (English)
- Silvester/Sylvester (Latin for “of the woods”)
- Hollis (Old English for “dweller by the holly trees”)
- Saul (Hebrew, if following the “asked for” meaning)
First Impressions of Silas
When people hear the name Silas, they often think of:
- A thoughtful, kind person with an old soul
- Someone connected to nature or the outdoors
- A name that feels both vintage and fresh
- A person who might be artistic or creative
- A name that’s distinctive without being strange
- Someone with quiet confidence
The name carries a certain gravitas without feeling stuffy or pretentious.
Celebrity Babies Named Silas
- Silas Randall Timberlake (son of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel)
- Silas Reign (son of reality TV personality Terra Jolé)
- Silas Gaither (not a celebrity baby, but a former “Survivor” contestant who helped popularize the name)
Songs About Silas
While there aren’t many mainstream songs specifically about someone named Silas, the name appears in:
- “Silas Creek Parkway” by Ben Folds
- “Silas” by Matt Corby
- “Sir Uncle Silas” by Cat Stevens
- Several hymns and religious songs referencing the biblical Silas
Famous Quotes About Silas
Most famous quotes about Silas come from literature, particularly “Silas Marner”:
“In old days there were angels who came and took men by the hand and led them away from the city of destruction. We see no white-winged angels now. But yet men are led away from threatening destruction: a hand is put into theirs, which leads them forth gently towards a calm and bright land, so that they look no more backward; and the hand may be a little child’s.” — George Eliot, “Silas Marner”
Silas in Different Languages
- Greek: Σίλας (Sílas)
- Russian: Сила (Sila)
- Hebrew: סילאס (Silas)
- French: Silas
- Spanish: Silas
- German: Silas
- Italian: Sila
Name Combinations for Silas
First and Middle Name Combinations:
- Silas James
- Silas Alexander
- Silas Theodore
- Silas Benjamin
- Silas Oliver
- Silas Henry
- Silas Matthew
If Silas is used as a middle name:
- Ezra Silas
- Oliver Silas
- August Silas
- Felix Silas
- Thomas Silas
Comments from Parents of Children Named Silas
“We named our son Silas because we wanted something classic but not common. Five years later, we still love it and get compliments all the time. He’s a gentle, thoughtful kid who loves books and climbing trees—somehow the name fits him perfectly!”
“Silas was my grandfather’s name, and I love how it honors him while still feeling fresh. Our Silas is four now and the name suits his old-soul personality so well.”
“We were torn between more modern names, but Silas won us over with its history and meaning. It’s strong but not aggressive, and it works for both a little boy and a grown man.”
“The only downside to naming our son Silas is that we sometimes get ‘Cyrus?’ or ‘Simon?’ when introducing him. But a quick correction is all it takes, and most people comment on what a great name it is.”
“Our Silas is the most adventurous of our three kids—always outdoors exploring and climbing. The name’s connection to forests and nature ended up being perfect for him!”