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