What Does the Name Silas Mean?
Silas is a boy's name of Greek (Biblical, possibly from Aramaic) origin meaning “of the forest / contracted form of Silvanus or Saul.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Silas |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Greek (Biblical, possibly from Aramaic) |
| Meaning | of the forest / contracted form of Silvanus or Saul |
| Variants | Silvanus, Sila, Silvain |
| Popularity | A consistent riser in the US, where it has ranked in the top 100 boys' names in recent years, popular for its vintage Biblical charm. |
The meaning and origin of Silas
The name Silas means “of the forest / contracted form of Silvanus or Saul” and has Greek (Biblical, possibly from Aramaic) origins. Silas is a New Testament name, likely a Greek short form of Silvanus ('of the forest'), borne by an early Christian companion of Paul; it may ultimately derive from the Aramaic/Hebrew form of Saul. It remains a steady favorite in English-speaking countries.
Variants and related names
Silas is related to several other names you may recognize: Silvanus, Sila, Silvain. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Silas?
A consistent riser in the US, where it has ranked in the top 100 boys' names in recent years, popular for its vintage Biblical charm.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Silas mean?+
The name Silas means “of the forest / contracted form of Silvanus or Saul” and is of Greek (Biblical, possibly from Aramaic) origin.
What is the origin of the name Silas?+
Silas originates from Greek (Biblical, possibly from Aramaic).
Is Silas a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Silas has trended in the US over time.
Silas by gender
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Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press