MallowbyNames

Sila

SEE-lah · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Sila (Arabic, 'connection') or a shortened form of Silvana (Latin, 'of the forest').

2025 rank (girls)
#3,903
Babies named in 2025
37
Peak popularity
2018
2025 frequency
1 in 43,440 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #3,903 for girls today.

Popularity of Sila since 1985

Babies named Sila per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1429431990200020102020Most births 2018Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s5
1990s7
2000s66
2010s241
2020s191

Meaning & origin

Sila is a modern name first recorded in 1985, with its highest popularity occurring in 2018. As of 2025, it ranked 3,903 nationally, reflecting a 1 in 44,340 frequency among newborn girls. While the name has remained stable in use over the past decade, its peak in 2018 suggests a slight recent trend. Top states for Sila include Michigan, New York, and California, indicating a broad but scattered appeal. Despite its uncertain etymology, the name's simple, melodic sound echoes popular contemporary names like Mila and Lila, making it a quiet choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible option.

Sila is a modern given name in the United States, first recorded in 1985. It may be a respelling or short form of names like Silvana (from Latin silva 'forest') or the Arabic Sila (meaning 'connection' or 'link'), but its exact derivation is unclear. The name has seen modest use, with its peak popularity in 2018.

Where Sila is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Sila” around the world

Where Sila lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    25

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Sibling names for Sila

Names that share Sila's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Mila, Lila, Nova, Zara, Kira

Brothers: Milo, Kai, Silas, Leo, Eli

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Sila, our favorite little girl.

S is for Sila…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Sila's letter becomes Sila's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Sila's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Sila mean?
The meaning of Sila is uncertain. It may be a variant of the Arabic Sila, meaning 'connection', or a shortened form of Silvana, derived from Latin silva 'forest'.
How popular is the name Sila?
Sila ranked 3,903 in 2025, with about 1 in 44,000 girls given the name that year.
Is Sila a boy or girl name?
Sila is almost exclusively used for girls in the United States.