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Miles
Pronounced MYLZ /maɪlz/High
Meaning: Soldier; from Latin miles, or possibly Germanic Milo (merciful, gracious)Medium
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 arrived in England with the Normans after 1066. It is often linked to the Latin miles, meaning soldier, but may also derive from the Germanic name Milo, rooted in mild (merciful, gracious). The Norman form Milo gave rise to the English Miles. Milo was used by several medieval nobles, spreading it across England and Ireland.
Miles remained a steady English and Irish given name across the centuries. In the U.S. it benefited from the cultural prestige of Miles Davis and in recent decades has been valued as a short, strong, and sophisticated alternative to more popular names. It entered the U.S. top 100 in the early 2000s and climbed into the top 50 by the 2020s.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Miles Davis (1926–1991)American jazz trumpeter and composer, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Miles mean?
Miles likely means 'soldier' from Latin miles, though it may also relate to the Germanic Milo meaning 'merciful' — the origin is debated.
How do you pronounce Miles?
It's said MYLZ /maɪlz/ — one syllable.
Is Miles a boy or girl name?
Miles is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.
How popular is Miles?
Miles has climbed into the U.S. top 50 boys' names in recent years, a cool classic on the rise.