Names › Boys' names › S › Silas
Silas
Meaning: of the forest (from Silvanus) · Origin: Latin (via Greek) · Gender: usually a boy's name
Origin & history
A Greek short form of Silvanus, Roman god of the woods. Silas was St Paul's companion on his missionary travels.
Nicknames
Si
Variants & related names
Silvanus, Sylas
Silas name art
A free preview of a printable “Silas” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.
Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.
FAQ
What does the name Silas mean?
Silas means “of the forest (from Silvanus)”. It comes from Latin (via Greek).
Is Silas a popular name?
Yes — Silas has been one of the most popular boys' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.
What are nicknames for Silas?
Si.
What are other forms of Silas?
Silvanus, Sylas.
Similar names
Marcus · Martin · Victor · August · Francis · Maximus
More: names starting with S · all boys' names
Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.