It is named after Leó Szilárd, the scientist who theorised nuclear chain reactions and famously worked on the atomic bomb during World War II.

The ray system from this impact forms streaks across the rim and interior of Szilard.

The rim of Szilard is heavily eroded and has been reshaped by subsequent impacts.

The interior floor of Szilard is somewhat uneven in the western half, while the eastern side is more level and featureless.

[2] By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Szilard.