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Alternatives to Silas

MiaLen
By MiaLen
Updated Fri Mar 22 2024
Silas is a warm name, and currently the most popular boys name on Nameberry. Ranking 87th in the US, Silas is at his highest point yet, and may continue to rise. Here are some alternatives!
  1. Abrus

    • Origin:

      Plant name from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "rosary pea"
  2. Albus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "white, bright."

    • Description:

      The ancient name Albus has modern currency as the first name of the headmaster of Harry Potter's Hogwarts, more formally known as Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Can Albus work if you're missing the long white beard and the magic wand? Maybe, though it might be a heavy mantle for a Muggle child to wear.
  3. Alex

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexander, Alexis

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      The independent Alex has become a classic in its own right. One of the truest unisex names, Alex is used almost equally for both sexes. Alex is used both on its own and as a short form of formal names of both genders, such as Alexander, Alexandra, and Alexis.
  4. Atlas

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of the heavens"

    • Description:

      Atlas is one of those names that was previously thought too powerful for a baby boy, who would have to be strong enough to carry the world on his shoulders. Now Atlas has joined the pantheon of Greek and Roman god and goddess names in the realm of possibility, along with Mars, Zeus and Apollo.
  5. Atticus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Attica"

    • Description:

      Atticus, with its trendy Roman feel combined with the upstanding, noble image of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, is a real winner among boy names. Atticus entered the US Top 1000 in 2004 and is a firm Nameberry favorite.
  6. Clovis

    • Origin:

      Teutonic, French, early form of Ludwig or Louis

    • Description:

      An aromatic, unconventional name.
  7. Collins

    • Origin:

      Surname derived from Nicholas or Colin

    • Description:

      Though Collins makes the Top 1000 for girls, it sounds strong and handsome for boys too, kind of like the newly-stylish Brooks. The final s updates it from the 80s-ish Colin or the Twilightish Cullen. Might make an innovative honorific for a grandpa Nick.
  8. Cylas

    • Description:

      Cylas is a modern masculine variation of the ancient Greek name Silas, which means 'forest' or 'woodland.' The distinctive spelling with 'C' instead of 'S' emerged in recent decades as parents sought unique twists on traditional names. While Silas has biblical connections as a companion of Paul in the New Testament, Cylas offers a contemporary update while maintaining the name's historical essence. The name has seen increasing usage in the 21st century, particularly in the United States, though it remains relatively uncommon. Cylas combines accessibility with uniqueness, featuring a strong sound that balances traditional masculine qualities with modern appeal.

  9. Cylus

    • Description:

      Cylus is a modern masculine name with uncertain etymology, though it may be a variant spelling of 'Silas' or derived from the Greek element 'kylos' relating to circular motion. The name has a contemporary feel with its distinctive spelling using 'C' and 'y'. Cylus embodies the trend toward names that sound traditional but feature creative spellings. It might also draw inspiration from scientific or technological terminology, with 'cy' appearing in words related to cycles, systems, and cybernetics. The name has gained some modest usage in recent decades, particularly in North America, appealing to parents seeking unique yet accessible options. Cylus carries a strong, modern sound while maintaining a connection to naming traditions through its syllabic structure.

  10. Cyrus

    • Origin:

      Persian

    • Meaning:

      "sun"

    • Description:

      Cyrus is one of those surprising names that have always ranked among the Top 1000 boy names in the US. On an upward trend since the mid-90s, Cyrus now sits in that comfortable place between too popular and too unusual.
  11. Elias

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Elijah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"

    • Description:

      Strong, charismatic, and sleek, Elias has followed in the footsteps of Elijah and Eli to become a popular choice among parents today.
  12. Ellis

    • Origin:

      English surname derived from Elijah or Elias or Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "benevolent"

    • Description:

      Ellis is a former Old Man Name turned gender-neutral choice for the 21st century. It's one of the less used names in the currently popular El-family.
  13. Felix

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "happy, fortunate"

    • Description:

      Felix is one of those ancient but nontraditional names for boys that have come into favor over the past few decades, a favorite of parents who want a masculine name with history and heft that breaks ranks with the standard Franks and Freds. Felix is also an international darling, ranking in the Top 100 in several European and English-speaking countries.
  14. Finn

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "fair or white"

    • Description:

      Finn is a name with enormous energy and charm, that of the greatest hero of Irish mythology, Finn MacCool (aka Fionn mac Cuumhaill), an intrepid warrior with mystical supernatural powers, noted as well for his wisdom and generosity.
  15. Forest

    • Origin:

      French occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "woodsman or woods"

    • Description:

      The Forest variation of Forrest, used by actor Whitaker, nudges the meaning more toward the woods and away from the woodsman.
  16. Forrest

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the woods"

    • Description:

      Forrest is one of the earliest appealingly sylvan, outdoorsy choices, borne by newsman Sawyer, actor Whitaker, and football Hall of Famer Gregg. Forrest Gates was a character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
  17. Giles

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "young goat"

    • Description:

      One of those names that most Americans find just too too tea-sippingly British to consider; its meaning has led to occasional use for Capricorn boys.
  18. Hollis

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "near the holly bushes"

    • Description:

      Hollis is a rugged, gentle and quietly used name, given to over 200 boys and 150 girls each year in the US. In 2023, it became one of the newest entries to the US Top 1000, where it fits in with the surnames-as-first-names trend, and other familiar choices like Ellis, Silas, and Holden.
  19. Ilias

    • Origin:

      Greek, from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"

    • Description:

      The Greek form of Elijah.
  20. Julias

    • Description:

      Julias is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Julius or possibly Julian. With Roman and Latin origins, the traditional Julius derives from the ancient Roman family name 'Julius,' potentially meaning 'downy-bearded' or 'youthful.' This particular spelling is uncommon, offering a slightly softer ending than Julius while maintaining its classical dignity. The name carries rich historical associations, most notably with Julius Caesar and the Julian calendar. While rare in contemporary usage, Julias preserves the scholarly and imperial connotations of its more common variants. The subtle spelling difference creates a distinctive option for parents attracted to classical names with a slight twist.