Silas

In modern usage, it is often treated as a biblical name; some sources associate it with forest-related Latin roots via Silvanus.

Silas is a classic male given name that many people recognize from Christian scripture: in the New Testament, Silas appears as a companion and co-worker of Paul. That religious and historical association is a major reason the name has remained familiar across different English-speaking communities. On the etymology side, references commonly connect Silas to Silvanus, a Latin name historically linked to forest imagery (from Latin words related to woods). At the same time, how the relationship is explained differs: some sources describe Silas as a Greek form, others as a shortened form in later usage. If you want a meaning summary, it is safest to treat the “biblical association” as firm and the exact linguistic pathway as debated. Pronunciation in English is usually SY-lus, with two clear syllables and stress on the first. A practical tip is to keep the second syllable light (not “SIGH-lass”), and to note that the spelling variant Sylas also appears while keeping the same spoken form.

Etymology: In the New Testament, Silas is a companion of Paul; the name is often treated as a Greek form or shortened form related to Silvanus (Latin), though exact derivation can vary by source.