What does Max mean?
A short form of Maximilian or Maximus, from the Latin maximus, “greatest.”
What does Silas mean?
Silas is generally linked to the Latin Silvanus, “of the forest” or “wood,” and appears in the New Testament as a companion of Paul.
Max vs Silas
Which is more popular?
Silas is more popular than Max today: about 4,639 US babies were given the name Silas in 2025, compared with 2,025 named Max.
| Max | Silas | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Greatest | Of the forest |
| Origin | Latin | Latin |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | MAKS | SY-lus |
| Syllables | 1 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2009 (3,958) | 2025 (4,639) |
| In 2025 | 2,025 | 4,639 |
| Trend | Declining | Near its peak |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Max
Silas
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Max | Silas |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 13,641 | 24,464 |
| 2010s | 34,141 | 29,629 |
| 2000s | 27,368 | 7,308 |
| 1990s | 18,216 | 1,907 |
| 1980s | 8,741 | 1,175 |
| 1970s | 4,231 | 922 |
| 1960s | 5,023 | 753 |
| 1950s | 7,430 | 1,050 |
| 1940s | 8,526 | 1,276 |
| 1930s | 11,757 | 1,482 |
| 1920s | 14,081 | 2,031 |
| 1910s | 10,859 | 1,553 |
| 1900s | 1,567 | 509 |
| 1890s | 1,112 | 631 |
| 1880s | 765 | 775 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Max or Silas more popular?
Silas is more popular than Max today: about 4,639 US babies were given the name Silas in 2025, compared with 2,025 named Max.
What is the difference between Max and Silas?
Max means Greatest (Latin origin), while Silas means Of the forest (Latin origin).
Which name is older, Max or Silas?
In US records, Max first appears in 1880 and Silas in 1880, so Max has the longer recorded history.