What does Silas mean and where does it come from?
Silas has roots in both Latin and Greek, originally used as a masculine name, it has been adopted for females in contemporary naming practices. Silas derives from the Latin word for 'wood' and is often associated with nature. Notable figures with this name include Silas in the New Testament, who ser
Cultural significance
Silas has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of wood.
Peak popularity
Reached #71 in 2025 — currently #71 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Silas?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Silas?
Silas works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Silas Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Silas John
One syllable · timeless choice
Silas Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Silas Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Silas Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Silas Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Silas right now?
Rising — up 10 spots — currently #71 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #71 | 4,639 | ▲ up 10 · +12% births |
| 2024 | #81 | 4,127 | stable · +1% births |
| 2023 | #81 | 4,097 | ▲ up 7 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #88 | 4,025 | ▲ up 3 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #91 | 3,912 | ▲ up 9 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #100 | 3,599 | ▲ up 28 · +13% births |
| 2015 | #128 | 3,181 | ▲ up 91 · +95% births |
| 2010 | #219 | 1,630 | ▲ up 193 · +147% births |
| 2005 | #412 | 659 | ▲ up 190 · +101% births |
| 2000 | #602 | 328 | ▲ up 148 · +61% births |
| 1995 | #750 | 204 | ▲ up 212 · +74% births |
| 1990 | #962 | 117 | ▼ down 129 · +1% births |
| 1985 | #833 | 116 | ▼ down 16 |
| 1980 | #817 | 116 | ▼ down 29 · +5% births |
| 1975 | #788 | 111 | — |
The story of Silas
Silas has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #100 in 2020. A total of 54,568 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #140 in 1880 to #81 in 2023. Silas is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Silas in 2025:
Silas by decade
Silas peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 775 | |
| 1890s | 631 | |
| 1900s | 509 | |
| 1910s | 1,553 | |
| 1920s | 2,036 | |
| 1930s | 1,482 | |
| 1940s | 1,276 | |
| 1950s | 1,051 | |
| 1960s | 752 | |
| 1970s | 920 | |
| 1980s | 1,176 | |
| 1990s | 1,903 | |
| 2000s | 7,316 | |
| 2010s ★ | 29,578 | |
| 2020s | 12,399 | |
What are good nicknames for Silas?
What names sound and feel like Silas?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Silas also consider these
How is Silas written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Silas?
Common questions about the name Silas
What does the name Silas mean?
Silas means "wood" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Silas?
Silas is currently ranked #81 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Silas have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Silas?
Silas originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Silas?
Silas is a two-syllable name pronounced SEYE-lus. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Silas trending right now?
Silas is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.