Silas

Origin

Ancient Greek: From Σελεύκιος (Seleukios), related to Seleucus, a name of a Syrian general and ruler. The name appears in early Christian texts, particularly the Bible (Acts 13:1-12), as the name of a prophet and companion of Paul. In Australia, the name was brought by European settlers and has been embraced in Christian communities.

Meaning

‘Man of Selēukia’ or ‘Follower of Seleucus’. In the Australian context, it is often associated with historical biblical figures and carries connotations of faith and tradition.

Pronunciation

/ˈsaɪ.ləs/ (SIGH-luhs) with emphasis on the first syllable, pronounced clearly in Australian English. The 'i' as in 'sigh', and the 'a' as in 'sofa'.,

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 04 February (Feast of Saint Silas)
• 20 September (Blessed Silas Lempesis, Eastern Orthodox)
• 26 December (Boxing Day, historically associated with St. Stephen, sometimes folk associations are made, but not officially)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with silas:

• James and Thomas
• Benjamin and Elijah
• Charlotte and Matilda

Fun Facts

• The name Silas gained popularity in Australia during the mid-20th century, particularly among Christian families.
• Australian literature sometimes features characters named Silas, emphasizing wisdom and integrity.
• There are no notable Australian racehorses named Silas, but the name's strong phonetic qualities make it suitable for branding.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name silas:

• Reliable
• Traditional
• Faithful
• Wise
• Steadfast

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and balanced typographically, with a formal but approachable appearance in typefaces; appeals to those favouring traditional, timeless names in Australia.

Geographical Distribution

Most common in urban areas with strong Christian communities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, but also found in rural regions with religious populations.

Numerological Significance

Name number 22, associated with master builders – attributes include practicality, discipline, and vision. Often considered a strong number for leadership and organisation.

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac association, but vibrationally linked to the Sun through numerology, signifying vitality and leadership qualities. Suitable for Leo or Capricorn personalities.

Historical Context

Numerous saints and religious figures bore the name. Notably, Saint Silas was an early Christian missionary. In Australian history, Silas is often associated with early European settlers with strong religious backgrounds. Fictionally, characters named Silas appear in Australian literature and television dramas, often depicted as wise or determined.

Linguistic Adaptability

Crosses easily into various languages owing to its classical roots; in other languages, it may appear as 'Silas' or 'Siláš' in Czech, with adaptation chiefly in pronunciation.

Famous People Named silas

• Silas McKay (Australian author)
• Silas Carter (Australian politician)
• Silas (fictional character in Australian literature)

Popularity in Australia