Aramaic/Latin · Boy name
Silas
“possibly asked for, origin uncertain”
About the name Silas
Silas is a name of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Aramaic name ‘Seila’, which may mean ‘asked for’ or ‘prayed for’. In the New Testament, Silas is a companion of Paul, appearing in the Book of Acts and in Paul’s letters, where he is also called Silvanus. The association with the Latin ‘silva’, meaning ‘forest’, is likely due to the similarity with the Roman name Silvanus, but this is not the established etymology. The name entered English usage after the Reformation, and is notably borne by the protagonist of George Eliot’s novel ‘Silas Marner’.
- Meaning
- possibly asked for, origin uncertain
- Origin
- Aramaic/Latin
- Gender
- Boy
- Pronunciation
- SY-lus(2 syl.)
Variants and spellings
No common variant spellings are widely recorded.
If you like Silas
Middle names for Silas
- Silas James
- Silas Alexander
- Silas Michael
- Silas David
- Silas Joseph
Questions about Silas
- What does Silas mean?
- Silas is an Aramaic name meaning "possibly asked for, origin uncertain".
- How do you pronounce Silas?
- Silas is pronounced SY-lus, with emphasis on the first syllable.
More names like this: Latin baby names