Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Sylas
BoyLatin, Greek· “of the forest (variant of Silas)”
- Meaning
- of the forest (variant of Silas)
- Origin
- Latin, Greek
- Pronunciation
- SY-luhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #440
- US babies 2025
- 717
- Best rank
- #440 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Sylas
Sylas is a Latin and Greek name that is usually said to mean “of the forest (variant of Silas)”.
Sylas is a variant of Silas, which is a short Greek form of Silvanus, from the Latin silva, meaning forest or woods. Silvanus was the Roman god of woods and fields. In the New Testament, Silas is a companion of Saint Paul on his missionary journeys. The Sylas spelling adds a y that recalls the word sylvan, meaning wooded. The name has become more popular in recent years, following the revival of Silas. It feels earthy, gentle and vintage. Sy is a possible nickname.
Popularity over time
Sylas first appears in US Social Security records in 1975. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 17 different years, starting in 2009. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #440, and its highest count, 717 babies. Use has grown 63% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #7,179 in 1980, #2,911 in 2000, #835 in 2010, and #440 in 2025. Of the 8,889 US boys named Sylas since records began, 45% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,666 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jasai, Valentino, Moshe, Bo, and Yusuf.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Sylas ranked highest in South Dakota, Idaho, and Kansas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #168 | 9 |
| Idaho | #194 | 14 |
| Kansas | #262 | 15 |
| Maine | #262 | 5 |
| New Mexico | #268 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Sylas over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Sylas is usually pronounced SY-luhs, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-as”.
Middle names for Sylas
A few middle names that flow with Sylas: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Sylas
Similar names
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Lists that include Sylas
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sylas mean?
Sylas is a Latin and Greek name that is usually said to mean “of the forest (variant of Silas)”.
What is the origin of the name Sylas?
Sylas has Latin and Greek roots. Sylas is a variant of Silas, which is a short Greek form of Silvanus, from the Latin silva, meaning forest or woods.
Is Sylas a popular name?
Yes. Sylas ranked #440 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Sylas a boy or girl name?
Sylas is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Sylas over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Sylas?
Sylas is usually pronounced SY-luhs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings