Silas Name Meaning

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Silas Name Meaning

Fact: The name Silas has been used by musicians and artists, both as a given name and a stage name. For instance, Silas Howard is a filmmaker and musician known for his work in the LGBTQ+ community.

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A Deep Dive

Silas Overview

Meaning

Forest, woods

Gender

Boy

Origin

Latin

Etymology

Derived from the Latin name “Silvanus,” meaning “of the forest” or “wooded.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈsaɪləs/

Popularity

Silas is a name that has gained popularity in various cultures and countries. Recently, Silas has consistently ranked within the top 100 names for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

6 (Nurturing, Responsible, Balanced)

Name Styles

Vintage, Unique, Classic, Nature-inspired, Cute

Associated Traits

Thoughtful, strong, independent, intelligent

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Silas is known in the New Testament as a companion of Paul the Apostle and a leading member of the early Christian community.

Name Day

February 15th
A Deep Dive

Silas Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Sylas, Silvan, Sylvanus, Silvano, Sylvain, Silvius

Common Nicknames

Si, Sy, Sil

Diminutives

Sly, Sisi

Famous People

  • Silas Weir Mitchell
    (American Neurologist)
  • Silas Deane
    (American Diplomat)
  • Silas Simmons
    (American Baseball Player)
  • Silas Soule
    (American Soldier)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • "Silas Marner"
    (Novel)
  • "Silas"
    (Film)
  • "The Silas Diary"
    (Novel)
  • Silas Stone
    ("Justice League," Film)
  • Silas
    ("The Vampire Diaries," TV Series)

Places

  • Silas City
    (Alabama, USA)
  • Silas Creek
    (North Carolina, USA)
  • Silas Condit County Park
    (New Jersey, USA)
  • Silas Canyon
    (Wyoming, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Silas?

Silas means “forest” or “woods.” People with the name Silas are often viewed as serene and thoughtful, with a natural connection to the outdoors and a calming presence that soothes those around them.

What Is the Origin of The Name Silas?

Silas has Latin roots. It comes from the Latin name Silvanus, which translates to “of the forest.” Silas is also a biblical name, appearing in the New Testament as a companion of Saint Paul, adding a rich historical and spiritual depth to its significance.

Silas Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Silas in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#912021#882022#812023
Top 3 Rankings#812023#882022#912021

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Silas

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202381
(+7 from 2022)
4070
(+52 from 2022)
0.22226
202288
(+3 from 2021)
4018
(+111 from 2021)
0.21452
202191
(+9 from 2020)
3907
(+266 from 2020)
0.20853
2020100
(+5 from 2019)
3641
(+82 from 2019)
0.19685
2019105
(+5 from 2018)
3559
(+43 from 2018)
0.18519
2018110
(+10 from 2017)
3516
(+179 from 2017)
0.18089
2017120
(-1 from 2016)
3337
(-79 from 2016)
0.16861
2016119
(+9 from 2015)
3416
(+226 from 2015)
0.16864
2015128
(+9 from 2014)
3190
(+257 from 2014)
0.15603
2014137
(-21 from 2013)
2933
(-479 from 2013)
0.14313
2013116
(+44 from 2012)
3412
(+916 from 2012)
0.16885
2012160
(+23 from 2011)
2496
(+379 from 2011)
0.12301
2011183
(+36 from 2010)
2117
(+485 from 2010)
0.10421
2010219
(+33 from 2009)
1632
(+255 from 2009)
0.07944
2009252
(+57 from 2008)
1377
(+303 from 2008)
0.06492
2008309
(+34 from 2007)
1074
(+134 from 2007)
0.04926
2007343
(+29 from 2006)
940
(+140 from 2006)
0.04244
2006372
(+40 from 2005)
800
(+140 from 2005)
0.03649
2005412
(+17 from 2004)
660
(+49 from 2004)
0.03102
2004429
(+17 from 2003)
611
(+49 from 2003)
0.02891
2003446
(-17 from 2002)
562
(-18 from 2002)
0.02675
2002429
(+129 from 2001)
580
(+204 from 2001)
0.02806
2001558
(+44 from 2000)
376
(+48 from 2000)
0.01818
2000602
(+22 from 1999)
328
(+38 from 1999)
0.01571
1999624
(+55 from 1998)
290
(+39 from 1998)
0.01422
1998679
(+14 from 1997)
251
(+21 from 1997)
0.01238
1997693
(+45 from 1996)
230
(+23 from 1996)
0.01151
1996738
(+12 from 1995)
207
(+3 from 1995)
0.01033
1995750
(+116 from 1994)
204
(+51 from 1994)
0.01014
1994866
(-14 from 1993)
153
(-2 from 1993)
0.00751
1993852
(-38 from 1992)
155
(-10 from 1992)
0.00750
1992814
(+95 from 1991)
165
(+32 from 1991)
0.00786
1991909
(+49 from 1990)
133
(+15 from 1990)
0.00627
1990958
(-20 from 1989)
118
No change from 1989
0.00548
1989938
(-55 from 1988)
118
(+2 from 1988)
0.00563
1988883
(-32 from 1987)
116
(-5 from 1987)
0.00579
1987851
(-6 from 1986)
121
(+6 from 1986)
0.00620
1986845
(-13 from 1985)
115
(-1 from 1985)
0.00598
1985832
(+34 from 1984)
116
(+13 from 1984)
0.00603
1984866
(-80 from 1983)
103
(-20 from 1983)
0.00549
1983786
(+45 from 1982)
123
(+9 from 1982)
0.00660
1982831
(-74 from 1981)
114
(-19 from 1981)
0.00604
1981757
(+60 from 1980)
133
(+17 from 1980)
0.00714
1980817
(+5 from 1979)
116
(+4 from 1979)
0.00625
1979822
(-24 from 1978)
112
(-1 from 1978)
0.00625
1978798
(+77 from 1977)
113
(+20 from 1977)
0.00661
1977875
(-39 from 1976)
93
(-7 from 1976)
0.00544
1976836
(-48 from 1975)
100
(-11 from 1975)
0.00613
1975788
(+97 from 1974)
111
(+28 from 1974)
0.00684
1974885
(-68 from 1973)
83
(-11 from 1973)
0.00509
1973817
(+125 from 1972)
94
(+21 from 1972)
0.00583
1972942
(+13 from 1971)
73
No change from 1971
0.00436
1971955
(+13 from 1970)
73
(+4 from 1970)
0.00402
1970968
(-25 from 1969)
69
(+3 from 1969)
0.00362
1969943
(-24 from 1968)
66
(+4 from 1968)
0.00361
1968919
(+84 from 1967)
62
(+10 from 1967)
0.00349
19671003
(-150 from 1966)
52
(-20 from 1966)
0.00292
1966853
(-76 from 1965)
72
(-18 from 1965)
0.00396
1965777
(+130 from 1964)
90
(+20 from 1964)
0.00475
1964907
(-134 from 1963)
70
(-27 from 1963)
0.00345
1963773
(+83 from 1962)
97
(+19 from 1962)
0.00470
1962856
(-39 from 1961)
78
(-9 from 1961)
0.00371
1961817
(+33 from 1960)
87
(+8 from 1960)
0.00403
1960850
(-68 from 1959)
79
(-17 from 1959)
0.00365
1959782
(-52 from 1958)
96
(-8 from 1958)
0.00443
1958730
(-27 from 1957)
104
(-12 from 1957)
0.00483
1957703
(+29 from 1956)
116
(+15 from 1956)
0.00530
1956732
(+34 from 1955)
101
(+11 from 1955)
0.00471
1955766
(-94 from 1954)
90
(-25 from 1954)
0.00431
1954672
(-3 from 1953)
115
(+2 from 1953)
0.00556
1953669
(+26 from 1952)
113
(+12 from 1952)
0.00564
1952695
(+21 from 1951)
101
(+7 from 1951)
0.00512
1951716
(-90 from 1950)
94
(-26 from 1950)
0.00492
1950626
(-57 from 1949)
120
(-19 from 1949)
0.00660
1949569
(+67 from 1948)
139
(+26 from 1948)
0.00771
1948636
(-42 from 1947)
113
(-19 from 1947)
0.00634
1947594
(-56 from 1946)
132
(-10 from 1946)
0.00711
1946538
(+34 from 1945)
142
(+30 from 1945)
0.00860
1945572
(-13 from 1944)
112
(-6 from 1944)
0.00817
1944559
(-19 from 1943)
118
(-18 from 1943)
0.00849
1943540
(-33 from 1942)
136
(-10 from 1942)
0.00935
1942507
(+43 from 1941)
146
(+28 from 1941)
0.01037
1941550
(-14 from 1940)
118
(-2 from 1940)
0.00940
1940536
(-51 from 1939)
120
(-20 from 1939)
0.01012
1939485
(-8 from 1938)
140
(-6 from 1938)
0.01235
1938477
(+79 from 1937)
146
(+37 from 1937)
0.01285
1937556
(-88 from 1936)
109
(-36 from 1936)
0.00997
1936468
(+6 from 1935)
145
(+2 from 1935)
0.01362
1935474
(+4 from 1934)
143
(+1 from 1934)
0.01337
1934478
(-11 from 1933)
142
(-1 from 1933)
0.01337
1933467
(-6 from 1932)
143
(-11 from 1932)
0.01402
1932461
(-26 from 1931)
154
(-15 from 1931)
0.01433
1931435
(-9 from 1930)
169
(-22 from 1930)
0.01580
1930426
(+21 from 1929)
191
(+14 from 1929)
0.01691
1929447
(+26 from 1928)
177
(+10 from 1928)
0.01598
1928473
(-22 from 1927)
167
(-16 from 1927)
0.01463
1927451
(-34 from 1926)
183
(-28 from 1926)
0.01575
1926417
(-13 from 1925)
211
(-8 from 1925)
0.01842
1925404
(+15 from 1924)
219
(+6 from 1924)
0.01902
1924419
(+2 from 1923)
213
(+7 from 1923)
0.01822
1923421
(-9 from 1922)
206
(-7 from 1922)
0.01819
1922412
(-7 from 1921)
213
(-11 from 1921)
0.01893
1921405
(-7 from 1920)
224
(+6 from 1920)
0.01968
1920398
(+11 from 1919)
218
(+16 from 1919)
0.01980
1919409
(-16 from 1918)
202
(-27 from 1918)
0.01990
1918393
No change from 1917
229
(+24 from 1917)
0.02184
1917393
(+9 from 1916)
205
(+15 from 1916)
0.02137
1916402
(-22 from 1915)
190
(-7 from 1915)
0.02058
1915380
(-23 from 1914)
197
(+24 from 1914)
0.02236
1914357
(+17 from 1913)
173
(+47 from 1913)
0.02532
1913374
(-4 from 1912)
126
(+18 from 1912)
0.02350
1912370
(-13 from 1911)
108
(+49 from 1911)
0.02392
1911357
(-47 from 1910)
59
(-5 from 1910)
0.02444
1910310
(-25 from 1909)
64
(+2 from 1909)
0.03069
1909285
(+31 from 1908)
62
(+14 from 1908)
0.03506
1908316
(+2 from 1907)
48
(+3 from 1907)
0.02885
1907318
(-48 from 1906)
45
(-8 from 1906)
0.02838
1906270
(+36 from 1905)
53
(+10 from 1905)
0.03679
1905306
(-38 from 1904)
43
(-8 from 1904)
0.03002
1904268
(+1 from 1903)
51
(+4 from 1903)
0.03682
1903269
(-19 from 1902)
47
(-8 from 1902)
0.03634
1902250
(+34 from 1901)
55
(+18 from 1901)
0.04143
1901284
(-36 from 1900)
37
(-31 from 1900)
0.03201
1900248
(-22 from 1899)
68
(+13 from 1899)
0.04194
1899226
(+29 from 1898)
55
(+7 from 1898)
0.04775
1898255
(-17 from 1897)
48
(-5 from 1897)
0.03634
1897238
(-14 from 1896)
53
(-10 from 1896)
0.04346
1896224
(-16 from 1895)
63
(-5 from 1895)
0.04881
1895208
(+20 from 1894)
68
(+12 from 1894)
0.05369
1894228
(-3 from 1893)
56
(-1 from 1893)
0.04484
1893225
(-48 from 1892)
57
(-32 from 1892)
0.04709
1892177
(+29 from 1891)
89
(+31 from 1891)
0.06771
1891206
(-39 from 1890)
58
(-26 from 1890)
0.05308
1890167
(+28 from 1889)
84
(+17 from 1889)
0.07018
1889195
(+11 from 1888)
67
(-4 from 1888)
0.05629
1888206
(-15 from 1887)
71
(+7 from 1887)
0.05465
1887191
(-14 from 1886)
64
(-13 from 1886)
0.05855
1886177
(+3 from 1885)
77
(+4 from 1885)
0.06468
1885180
(-13 from 1884)
73
(-10 from 1884)
0.06296
1884167
(-5 from 1883)
83
(+6 from 1883)
0.06762
1883162
(-14 from 1882)
77
(-15 from 1882)
0.06846
1882148
(+17 from 1881)
92
(+19 from 1881)
0.07539
1881165
(-26 from 1880)
73
(-25 from 1880)
0.06742
1880139
First SSA data recorded
98
First SSA data recorded
0.08277

American States Popularity Rankings for Silas

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#1442021#1562022#1492023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#1412021#1302022#1262023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#612021#562022#542023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#682021#512022#522023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#1162021#1302022#1022023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#502021#362022#312023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#892021#922022#642023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1002021#1032022#662023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#702021#632022#772023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#852021#672022#652023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#1422021#1472022#1352023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#342021#402022#192023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#612021#612022#602023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#582021#582022#542023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#1442021#1142022#1232023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#602021#402022#502023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#922021#352022#732023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#962021#562022#672023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#632021#812022#592023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#1092021#652022#682023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#462021#412022#462023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#512021#652022#742023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#702021#542022#362023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#322021#302022#272023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#1142021#1152022#902023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#962021#942022#1062023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#892021#812022#682023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#1322021#1272022#1522023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#422021#662022#502023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1192021#1152022#952023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#512021#822022#412023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#272021#262022#512023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#902021#912022#1262023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#1912021#1862022#2712023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#392021#372022#282023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#992021#1322022#672023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#692021#1092022#452023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#1502021#1382022#1102023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#752021#682022#672023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#482021#182022#662023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#1652021#2242022#1332023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#692021#622022#1172023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#922021#672022#442023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1072021#252022#582023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#122021#272022#472023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#532021#562022#632023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2832021#1402022#932023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1982021#1002022#1952023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#722021#1222022#442023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1302021#1192022#1122023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1572021#2012022#1922023

Popularity Rankings for Silas in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Denmark

Denmark flagDenmark#232011#342012#492015

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#1222021#1052022#922023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#1262021#1202022#1032023

Popularity in Greenland

Greenland flagGreenland#1252019#1232020#1282021

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#1402021#1572022#1492023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#1692020#1692021#1742022

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2742021#2502022#1892023

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#3432022#4192023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#3471976#4961984#4251996

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#3652018#3742021

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#7982020#5172021#3762022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#6422019#7062020#7292021

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#7102017#7492018#7412020

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Silas a Name for Boys or Girls?

Silas is predominantly a boy’s name. Its blend of strength and tranquility, along with its historical use for males, makes it a popular and enduring choice for boys.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Silas

Silas in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Silas Weir Mitchell (Neurologist, 1829–1914): An American physician and writer known for his work in neurology and his literary contributions.
  • Silas Deane (Diplomat, 1737–1789): An American merchant, diplomat, and a member of the Continental Congress who helped secure French support during the American Revolution.
  • Silas Simmons (Baseball Player, 1895–2006): An American baseball player recognized as the oldest professional baseball player, having lived to the age of 111.
  • Silas Soule (Soldier, 1838–1865): An American abolitionist and Union Army captain during the Civil War, known for his role in the Sand Creek Massacre.
  • Silas Kiplagat (Runner, born 1989): A Kenyan middle-distance runner who has competed in the 1500 meters at international competitions.
  • Silas B. Cobb (Businessman, 1812–1900): An American entrepreneur and philanthropist who played a significant role in the development of Chicago.
  • Silas Young (Wrestler, born 1980): An American professional wrestler known for his work in Ring of Honor (ROH).
  • Silas Marner ("Silas Marner," 1861 Novel by George Eliot): A linen weaver whose life changes when he adopts an orphaned child.
  • Silas ("The Da Vinci Code," 2003 Novel by Dan Brown): An albino monk and assassin who works to protect the secrets of the Catholic Church.
  • Silas Adams ("Deadwood," 2004 TV Series): A character who starts as a con artist and becomes an ally to the town's lawmen.
  • Silas (2005 Film): Follows the story of a man who seeks revenge for the death of his family.
  • Silas Botwin ("Weeds," 2005 TV Series): The eldest son of Nancy Botwin who becomes involved in his mother's drug-dealing business.
  • Silas Stone ("Justice League," 2017 Film): The scientist who turns his son into the superhero Cyborg.
  • "The Silas Diary" (1998 Novel by Gene Edwards): Imagines the life of Silas, a companion of the Apostle Paul, during the early Christian church.
  • Silas Lapham ("The Rise of Silas Lapham," 1885 Novel by William Dean Howells): Chronicles the moral dilemmas faced by a self-made businessman in Boston.
  • Silas Heap ("Magyk," 2005 Novel by Angie Sage): The father of the Heap family in the fantasy series.
  • Silas ("The Vampire Diaries," 2009 TV Series): An ancient and powerful immortal who seeks to break his curse and find peace.
  • Silas City (Alabama, USA): A small town in Choctaw County known for its southern charm and close-knit community.
  • Silas Creek (North Carolina, USA): A stream running through Winston-Salem, noted for its greenway and recreational areas.
  • Silas Condit County Park (New Jersey, USA): A county park in Essex County known for its hiking trails and picnic areas.
  • Silas Canyon (Wyoming, USA): A scenic area in Fremont County known for its stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife.

Similar Names to Silas

Sibling Names for Silas