Milo

♂ Boy

Pronounced MY-loh /ˈmaɪ.loʊ/High

Meaning: Soldier; merciful; or grain — from Old High German mild (mild, merciful) or Latin milo (soldier, or grain)Medium

In 30 seconds: A cheerful, compact name of disputed origin — possibly meaning 'mild and merciful' or 'soldier' — Milo has a warm, vintage coolness that has made it one of the most popular short boys' names of the 21st century.

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Origin MediumOld High German, Latin

MeaningSoldier; merciful; or grain — from Old High German mild (mild, merciful) or Latin milo (soldier, or grain)

U.S. rank (2025)#119 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births2,974 boys (0.17% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 43,819

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

Milo may derive from the Old High German mild (mild, merciful) or from the Latin milo (soldier). The famous 6th-century BC wrestler Milo of Croton kept the name in classical memory. Its exact Germanic vs. Latin origin is debated.

Milo has been a traditional name in Germany and England, fell from wider use, and has staged a strong international revival in the 21st century. It now ranks in the top 250 U.S. boys' names.

Did you know? Milo of Croton (6th century BC) was a legendary ancient Greek wrestler who won six Olympic crowns and was said to carry a full-grown ox on his shoulders — a story that gave the name its associations with strength.

Variations

MilesMilosMylo

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Milo of Croton (fl. 6th century BC)
Ancient Greek wrestler from Croton who won six Olympic Games titles and was famous for his extraordinary strength.

If you like Milo…

Theo— short two-syllable classical name with the same friendly, bright vintage character

Leo— short Latin/Greek classic with the same warm one-to-two-syllable modern appeal

Arlo— short friendly name with the same breezy vintage-to-modern appeal

Mylo— shares the -lo ending

Pablo— a fellow Latin choice

Explore names like Milo

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Milo mean?

Milo's origin is debated; it may mean 'mild' or 'merciful' from Old High German, or 'soldier' from Latin. The legendary wrestler Milo of Croton was the name's most famous ancient bearer.

How do you pronounce Milo?

It is said MY-loh /ˈmaɪ.loʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Milo a boy or girl name?

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

How popular is Milo?

Milo has been climbing strongly and is now among the top 100 U.S. boys' names.