Myles

♂ Boy

Pronounced MYLZ /maɪlz/High

Meaning: Soldier; or merciful — from Latin miles (soldier) or Irish Gaelic Maol Íosa (servant of Jesus)Medium

In 30 seconds: A variant of Miles — possibly from Latin 'soldier' or Irish Gaelic 'servant of Jesus' — Myles is the older, more classical spelling that carries the same crisp punch with a distinguished extra letter.

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Origin MediumLatin, Irish Gaelic

MeaningSoldier; or merciful — from Latin miles (soldier) or Irish Gaelic Maol Íosa (servant of Jesus)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 39,715

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Myles is an older spelling of Miles, itself of disputed origin — possibly from Latin miles (soldier) or possibly a form of the Irish Maol Íosa (servant of Jesus). The -y- spelling is particularly associated with Irish usage.

The name has been used in Ireland and England since the medieval period. In the United States the Myles spelling has been climbing alongside Miles as parents seek names with a classical flourish.

Did you know? Myles Standish (c. 1584–1656) was the military officer of the Pilgrim colonists aboard the Mayflower — one of the most famous early American Myles bearers.

Variations

MilesMilosMíle

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Myles Standish (c. 1584–1656)
English military officer and Pilgrim colonist who traveled on the Mayflower.

If you like Myles…

Miles— the more common spelling of the same name with the same crisp single-syllable strength

Silas— quiet Biblical name with the same understated dignified appeal

Eli— short Hebrew classic with the same one-to-two-syllable effortless cool

Finn— short Celtic name with the same punchy, confident one-syllable energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Myles mean?

Myles (a variant of Miles) has a disputed meaning — it may come from Latin miles (soldier) or from the Irish Maol Íosa (servant of Jesus).

How do you pronounce Myles?

It is said MYLZ /maɪlz/ — one syllable.

Is Myles a boy or girl name?

Myles is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Myles?

Myles has been rising in the U.S., now appearing among the top 200 boys' names.