Cilas first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Cilas has been for the last 15 years (from 2009 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Cilas

A diminutive of Silas, a variant of the Latin Silvanus meaning "from the forest".

Popularity of Cilas by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Cilas is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cilas.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 6 0
2022 6 0
2020 5 0
2019 6 0
2017 10 0
2016 7 0
2012 6 0
2011 5 0
2009 5 0

The history of the first name Cilas

The given name Cilas has its origins rooted in ancient Greece, dating back to the 5th century BCE. It is believed to be derived from the Greek word "kilos," meaning "green" or "verdant," symbolizing the lush landscapes and natural beauty that characterized the region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cilas can be found in the writings of the renowned Greek historian Herodotus, who mentioned a Spartan warrior by that name during his accounts of the Greco-Persian Wars. This historical reference suggests that the name was in use among the Spartan military elite during the classical period of ancient Greece.

Throughout the subsequent centuries, the name Cilas appeared to maintain a presence within the Greek cultural sphere. In the 3rd century BCE, a notable Athenian philosopher and scholar named Cilas was celebrated for his contributions to the advancement of knowledge and intellectual discourse during the Hellenistic era.

As the influence of Greek culture expanded across the Mediterranean region, the name Cilas also found its way into the Roman world. Historical records indicate that a Roman military commander named Cilas played a significant role in the campaigns of the emperor Trajan during the early 2nd century CE, leading his legions to notable victories against the Dacians and Parthians.

In the Middle Ages, the name Cilas resurfaced in the Byzantine Empire, where a renowned theologian and cleric by that name rose to prominence in the 9th century CE. His scholarly works on Christian doctrine and philosophy were widely studied and revered throughout the Eastern Orthodox world.

During the Renaissance period, a notable Italian artist and sculptor named Cilas Della Robbia gained recognition for his intricate terracotta works, which adorned various churches and public buildings across Florence and other Italian cities in the 15th century.

As time progressed, the name Cilas continued to be carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions. One notable figure was Cilas Mariner, a celebrated French explorer and navigator who sailed the high seas in the late 17th century, contributing to the expansion of nautical knowledge and the mapping of new territories.

In the 19th century, Cilas Whitman, an American poet and writer, gained acclaim for his poignant verse that captured the spirit of the American frontier and the beauty of the natural landscapes that stretched across the continent.

The name Cilas has endured through the ages, carrying with it a rich tapestry of historical significance, cultural diversity, and individual achievements. While its popularity may have ebbed and flowed over time, it remains a testament to the enduring influence of ancient civilizations and the lasting impact of those who have borne this name throughout history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cilas was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cilas, please contact us.

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"Cilas first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on August 11, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/cilas-meaning-and-history/.

"Cilas first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/cilas-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 11 August, 2025

Cilas first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/cilas-meaning-and-history/.

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