Sila

girlPaliBuddhist

Sila is a Buddhist girl name of Pali origin, meaning “Virtue, moral conduct”.

MeaningVirtue, moral conduct
GenderGirl
OriginPali
PronunciationSEE-lah
TraditionBuddhist
Used inSri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar

Meaning and origin of Sila

Sila (Pali sīla, Sanskrit shila) is the Buddhist word for ethical conduct, the foundation of the path alongside concentration (samadhi) and wisdom (panna). For lay Buddhists, keeping sila usually means observing the Five Precepts. As a girl's name it is unusual but has some use in Buddhist families. The Turkish name Sila (Sıla), meaning 'reunion with home', is a separate name that looks the same.

Is Sila a Buddhist name?

In Buddhism, sila is one of the three trainings and the first of the perfections in some lists, so the name expresses a wish for good moral character. It is not a deity name.

How popular is Sila?

Rare as a given name; more familiar as a Buddhist term.

Gifts with the name Sila

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Spellings and variants of Sila

SeelaSheelaShila

Names similar to Sila

More Buddhist girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Sila mean?

Sila means 'Virtue, moral conduct'. It is of Pali origin.

Is Sila a Buddhist name?

In Buddhism, sila is one of the three trainings and the first of the perfections in some lists, so the name expresses a wish for good moral character. It is not a deity name.

How do you pronounce Sila?

Sila is pronounced SEE-lah.

Is Sila a boy or girl name?

Sila is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.