Silas

Silas is both a mythological and Biblical name, hitting its highest popularity point ever in the US last year. Now ranking firmly in the Top 100, Silas is a longstanding favorite with Nameberry visitors.

A name of debated – or possibly multiple – origins. Silas may be a simplified form of the Latin Silvanus, meaning "of the forest", or alternatively may be a Greek form of the Aramaic Seila or Hebrew Saul, meaning "asked for, prayed for".

In mythology, Silvanus is the Roman god of trees and his name was originally bestowed on people who lived in wooded areas or who worked with wood.

Silas's Biblical roots can be traced to Saul, the name of the first king of Israel, and also the original Hebrew name of Paul the Apostle. In the New Testament, St. Silas was a leading member of the early Christian community who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey.

Silas is also associated with the indelible albino monk in The Da Vinci Code, is the leading character in William D. Howell's novel The Rise and Fall of Silas Lapham, and the title character of George Eliot's Silas Marner.

Gender

Boy

Meaning

of the forest; or prayed for

Origin

Aramaic, Latin, Greek

Numerology

S is for sincere, a model of truth.

I is for ideals, no higher!

L is for loyalty, that you show.

A is for accord, the harmony you spread.

S is for secret, that you can certainly keep.

Lucky

Silas lucky number is 6.

Number 6 is recognized for its nurturing, supportive, and empathic nature. A true healer, 6 has the ability to problem solve in both the emotional and physical realms, helping others through its straightforward, yet gentle, approach. 6 has a strong sense of responsibility and cares deeply for its friends, family, and lovers.

Famous People Named Silas

• Silas Deane American politician and diplomat
• Silas House American writer
• Silas Weir Mitchell American physician and writer
• Silas Weir Mitchell American actor (named after the above)
• Silas "Si" Robertson American reality TV personality ("Duck Dynasty")

Silas in Pop Culture

• Silas Blissett character in British soap "Hollyoaks"
• Silas Botwin Nancy's son on TV's "Weeds"
• "Silas Marner: The Weaver of Raveloe " novel by George Eliot
• Silas Heap character in the "Septimus Heap" book series by Angie Sage
• Silas character in Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code"