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Miles
Pronounced MYLZ /ˈmaɪlz/High
Meaning: From Miles/Milo — variously 'merciful, mild' (Slavic mil), or 'a soldier' (Latin miles); predominantly a boys' name; here for girls; routes layeredLow
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
Miles comes from the old Germanic and Latin Milo/Miles — variously linked to Slavic mil, 'gracious, mild, merciful', and Latin miles, 'a soldier' (routes layered, which we note; the jazz great Miles Davis; the Pilgrim Miles Standish). A crisp, cool name; predominantly a boys' name, here covered for girls honestly (slug distinguished).
It registers thinly for girls. Rare for girls, merciful-or-soldier at the root, and cool.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Miles mean?
Miles ties to 'merciful, mild' (Slavic) and 'a soldier' (Latin); the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Miles?
It's said MYLZ /ˈmaɪlz/ — one syllable.
Is Miles a boy or girl name?
Miles is predominantly a boys' name; this page covers its use for girls.
How popular is Miles?
Miles is rare for girls in the U.S.