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Milan Unisex

Popularity: #220 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationmee-LAN / miˈlæn

Slavic; Italian

Meaning

Slavic: 'gracious' or 'dear'; Italian: 'from Milan'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Milan has its roots in Slavic languages, deriving from the Old Slavic element "mil" meaning "gracious" or "dear." This etymology suggests a sense of affection or kindness, which has contributed to its appeal across various cultures. The name was adopted into various forms in different languages, including the Italian city name Milan, which is derived from the Latin "Mediolanum," meaning "in the middle of the plain." The transition into English occurred through the influence of Italian and Slavic cultures, particularly during the Renaissance when interest in classical and regional names flourished.

Historically, Milan has been associated with several notable figures and events. In the medieval period, Milan was a significant city-state in Italy, known for its political and cultural influence. The name gained prominence through figures such as Saint Milan, a 4th-century bishop of the city, who is venerated in both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. His legacy contributed to the name's religious significance, particularly in Christian contexts. Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and documents, reflecting its usage in different regions and eras.

Culturally, Milan embodies themes of grace and nobility, resonating with the qualities attributed to its Slavic roots. The name has been embraced in various forms across Europe, often associated with strength and leadership, likely due to its historical connections to influential cities and figures. The diminutive form "Milo" has also emerged in some cultures, further enriching the name's legacy. Overall, Milan's historical and cultural significance has allowed it to endure through centuries, reflecting a blend of linguistic heritage and societal values.

Trend Summary

Milan has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Milano
  • Milanus

International Variants

  • Milan (Croatian)
  • Milan (Czech)
  • Milan (Slovak)
  • Milan (Serbian)

Famous people named Milan

Milan Kundera is a novelist best known for The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The Book of Laughter and Forgetting, and The Joke.

Milan Jovanović is a professional footballer best known for playing as a forward for various clubs in Europe.

Milan Baroš is a former professional footballer best known for his time with the Czech national team and clubs like Lyon and Aston Villa.

Milan Gajić is a professional footballer best known for playing as a defender for clubs in Serbia and France.

Fictional characters named Milan

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Milan was first seen in the United States in 1885. Milan has ranked as high as #392 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Milan has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Milan (2024)

StateBirthsShare
FL 274
19%
CA 199
14%
TX 199
14%
NY 111
8%
IL 63
4%
GA 59
4%
NC 36
3%
MD 33
2%
AZ 30
2%
TN 30
2%
WA 30
2%
PA 29
2%
VA 29
2%
MI 26
2%
IN 25
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18856
18925
19065
19077
19087
19095
19109
191110
191230
191334
191433
191566
191679
191766
191877
191975
192087
192196
192290
192399
192482
192579
1926107
192780
192884
192977
193072
193174
193263
193364
193455
193541
193672
193763
193861
193952
194051
194158
194271
194353
194439
194552
194644
194751
194856
194954
195060
195151
195256
195352
195452
195559
195656
195744
195860
195947
196046
196143
196234
196341
196448
196548
196637
196745
196836
196954
197040
197139
197254
197332
197446
197539
197636
197738
197861
197966
198048
198135
198243
198342
198432
198544
198646
198731
198851
198967
199069
199158
199261
199369
199482
199577
199691
1997119
1998118
199987
2000116
2001108
200298
2003109
2004122
2005118
2006118
2007143
2008163
2009153
2010143
2011149
2012153
2013486
2014753
2015724
2016687
2017651
2018662
2019663
2020690
2021830
20221,037
20231,521
20241,552