Giles

♂ Boy

Pronounced JYLZ /ˈdʒaɪlz/Medium

Meaning: From Latin Aegidius (via Greek aigidion, 'a young goat', or aigis, 'a shield') — 'young goat; shield-bearer'Medium

In 30 seconds: Shield-bearer: Giles is from Greek/Latin — 'young goat; shield'. Vintage, dapper, and warm (St Giles; said 'JYLZ').

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Origin MediumGreek, Latin

MeaningFrom Latin Aegidius (via Greek aigidion, 'a young goat', or aigis, 'a shield') — 'young goat; shield-bearer'

U.S. rank (2024)#5104 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births19 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1918

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,719

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Giles comes from Latin Aegidius — from Greek aigidion, 'a young goat', or aigis, 'a goatskin shield' (routes layered, which we note) — St Giles, a beloved medieval hermit-saint, patron of the disabled. A vintage, dapper English name (said 'JYLZ').

It registers thinly today. Rare now, shield-bearer-or-young-goat at the root, and dapper.

Did you know? Giles comes from Latin Aegidius — linked to Greek aigis, 'a shield' (or aigidion, 'a young goat') — St Giles, patron of the disabled; a vintage, dapper English name (said 'JYLZ').

Overall data confidence 72%

Behind the Name — Giles — routes layered

Variations

GylesEgidioGilles

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Giles…

Miles— a fellow one-syllable vintage name

Silas— another -iles name

Rhodes— shares Giles's Greek roots

Myles— a similarly popular pick

Blaise— the same saint feel

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Giles mean?

Giles is from Latin Aegidius — 'young goat' or 'shield-bearer' (Greek); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Giles?

It's said JYLZ /ˈdʒaɪlz/ — a single syllable.

Is Giles a boy or girl name?

Giles is a boy's name.

How popular is Giles?

Giles is a rare name in the U.S.