Choosing a name like Silas isn't just about finding a cool sound. It's about a specific vibe. You're probably looking for that "gentle-but-strong" energy—something that feels like a quiet walk through a pine forest but still sounds sharp in a boardroom.
Silas has exploded in popularity recently, hitting the Top 100 in the US. It’s got that Latin root, Silvanus, meaning "of the forest." But if you’re worried about it becoming the next Liam or Oliver—names you hear shouted at every single playground—you’re likely hunting for alternatives that hit that same sweet spot.
Honestly, names similar to Silas usually fall into three camps: the "S-ending" phonetics, the nature-heavy meanings, and the vintage-biblical revivals.
The Phonetic Cousins: That "S" Ending
Phonetically, Silas is a winner because of its sibilant ending. It’s soft. It doesn't clunk. If you love the way Silas rolls off the tongue, these names do the same heavy lifting.
Elias is the most obvious sibling. It’s basically the mirror image of Silas. While Silas is forest-born, Elias has biblical weight, meaning "the Lord is my God." It’s been climbing the charts just as fast, sitting in the Top 20 for a while now.
Cyrus is another one. It feels a bit edgier, maybe a little more "rock star" than "woodland wanderer." It’s Persian for "sun." It shares that long "i" sound and the "s" ending, making it a perfect pivot if Silas feels too dusty for you.
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Then you have Atlas. It’s Greek. It’s mythological. It’s the guy holding up the sky. It lacks the long "i" but doubles down on the "s" ending and the adventurous spirit. In 2026, Atlas is no longer a "weird" name; it’s a powerhouse.
Short list of phonetic matches:
- Tobias: Old-school, friendly, ends in that "as" sound.
- Jude: Doesn't end in S, but shares the one-syllable punchiness people love.
- Rhodes: Very trendy for 2026. It’s travel-inspired and sophisticated.
- Amias: A Latin gem meaning "loved." It’s much rarer than Silas but shares the same DNA.
The "Man of the Forest" Vibe: Nature and Earth
If the meaning "of the forest" is what drew you to Silas, you aren't alone. Parents are moving away from literal nature names like "Tree" and toward subtle, grounded monikers.
Rowan is the gold standard here. It refers to the rowan tree with its red berries. It’s Irish, it’s sturdy, and it’s perfectly gender-neutral. It feels just as "green" as Silas but with a bit more Celtic grit.
Forrest is the literal translation. It’s making a massive comeback as "grandpa names" become cool again. If Silas is the subtle version, Forrest is the bold statement.
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Jasper is another heavy hitter. It’s a gemstone, but it feels like a person. It’s Persian for "bringer of treasure." It has a Victorian vintage feel that matches Silas perfectly in a sibling set.
Cassian is one to watch. It’s got that "old world" charm. While not strictly nature-based, it’s often associated with a rugged, classic hero vibe (thanks, Star Wars). It’s rising fast in 2026 because it sounds sophisticated but feels approachable.
The Vintage Revival: "Grandpa" is the New Cool
We’re seeing a massive "Retro Revival" in 2026 baby trends. Silas fits right in with names like Theodore and Arthur. These aren't just names; they’re characters.
Ezra is the closest aesthetic match. It’s short, it’s biblical, and it has a "z" sound that gives it some zip. Ezra and Silas are like the peanut butter and jelly of modern baby naming.
Felix is another one. Latin for "happy" or "fortunate." It’s got that same historical heft. It’s a name that feels intelligent.
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August is also surging. Whether you use the nickname "Gus" or keep it formal, it has the same "magnificent yet grounded" quality. It feels like a sunny afternoon.
Why Silas Matters Right Now
Naming experts like those at Nameberry and The Bump note that Silas bridges the gap between the "too popular" (like Noah) and the "too out there" (like Zephyr). It’s safe but stylish.
One thing people get wrong? They think Silas is a "new" trendy name. It’s actually ancient. It appears in the New Testament as a companion to St. Paul. This history gives it a backbone that pure "invented" names lack.
Sibling Sets That Work
If you already have a Silas and you're looking for a brother or sister, balance is key.
- Silas and Maeve: The ultimate 2026 power couple. Both are short, vintage, and have soft vowels.
- Silas and Arlo: This set is for the "cool parents." It’s effortless.
- Silas and Eloise: Pure elegance. These names sound like they belong in a well-curated library.
- Silas and Felix: Two Latin names that feel completely modern.
Actionable Tips for Your Search
Don't just pick a name because it's on a list. You've gotta "test drive" it.
- The Shout Test: Go to your back door and yell the name. Does "Cyrus, dinner!" sound natural or like you're calling a pet?
- The Initial Check: If your last name is Smith, maybe avoid "S" names unless you love the alliteration. "Silas Smith" is a lot of "S" sounds.
- Meaning Matters: If you love the nature aspect of Silas, look into names like Nash (by the ash tree) or Hayes (hedged area).
You're looking for a name that grows. Silas works on a toddler and a CEO. That’s the goal. Look for names with "legs"—ones that don't feel too cutesy when the kid hits thirty. Names like Brooks, Reid, and Sullivan are great examples of this "lifetime" durability.
If you're still stuck, look at your family tree. Sometimes the best "Silas-adjacent" name is a great-uncle's middle name you never knew existed. Names like Otis, Hugo, or Abel are often hiding in old census records just waiting for a 2026 comeback.