Miles Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationMYLES / /maɪlz/Latin; English
Meaning
Latin: soldier; English: merciful
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Miles has its roots in the Latin name 'Mīles', which translates to 'soldier'. The term was used in the Roman Empire to denote a warrior or a knight, reflecting a martial connotation. The name made its way into Old French as 'Mil', which was later adopted into Middle English as 'Miles'. This transition highlights the influence of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, which brought many Latin-derived names into the English language through the French vernacular.
Historically, the name Miles has been borne by notable figures, including Miles Coverdale, a 16th-century translator known for his English translation of the Bible, which was one of the first complete translations into English. His work contributed to the spread of the name in England during the Reformation, a period marked by significant religious and cultural transformation. Additionally, the name has been associated with various saints, including Saint Miles, a lesser-known figure in Christian hagiography, which further solidified its presence in medieval Europe.
Culturally, the name Miles has been linked to themes of valor and nobility due to its martial origins. It has been embraced in literature and the arts, often symbolizing strength and honor. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as Milo, which has its own distinct etymological background but shares a similar cultural resonance. Overall, the name Miles carries a rich historical legacy, reflecting its journey through language and culture from ancient Rome to the present.
Trend Summary
Miles has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Myles
- Mile
International Variants
- Milo (Italian)
- Miloš (Slavic)
- Míles (Spanish)
Famous people named Miles
Miles Davis is a jazz musician best known for Kind of Blue, Bitches Brew, and Sketches of Spain.
Miles Teller is an actor best known for Whiplash, The Spectacular Now, and Divergent.
Miles O'Brien is a journalist best known for his work with CNN and PBS NewsHour.
Miles Brown is an actor best known for his role in Black-ish and his appearances on Dancing with the Stars.
Miles Heizer is an actor best known for 13 Reasons Why and Parenthood.
Miles McMillan is a model and artist best known for his work in fashion and his collaborations with various brands.
Fictional characters named Miles
Miles Morales is a fictional character from the Marvel Comics universe. He is a teenage superhero who takes on the mantle of Spider-Man, representing a new generation of heroes.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Miles was first seen in the United States in 1880. Miles has ranked as high as #54 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Miles has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Miles (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 695 | |
TX | 553 | |
NY | 336 | |
FL | 334 | |
PA | 298 | |
OH | 252 | |
NC | 221 | |
IL | 208 | |
WA | 204 | |
GA | 200 | |
MI | 186 | |
VA | 175 | |
TN | 163 | |
UT | 163 | |
MA | 161 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 54 |
1881 | 40 |
1882 | 44 |
1883 | 42 |
1884 | 39 |
1885 | 52 |
1886 | 36 |
1887 | 35 |
1888 | 43 |
1889 | 33 |
1890 | 47 |
1891 | 44 |
1892 | 47 |
1893 | 35 |
1894 | 56 |
1895 | 33 |
1896 | 42 |
1897 | 44 |
1898 | 59 |
1899 | 36 |
1900 | 55 |
1901 | 37 |
1902 | 45 |
1903 | 44 |
1904 | 45 |
1905 | 36 |
1906 | 24 |
1907 | 41 |
1908 | 44 |
1909 | 42 |
1910 | 53 |
1911 | 50 |
1912 | 93 |
1913 | 119 |
1914 | 127 |
1915 | 186 |
1916 | 217 |
1917 | 232 |
1918 | 245 |
1919 | 261 |
1920 | 231 |
1921 | 233 |
1922 | 295 |
1923 | 239 |
1924 | 233 |
1925 | 244 |
1926 | 242 |
1927 | 215 |
1928 | 220 |
1929 | 185 |
1930 | 165 |
1931 | 169 |
1932 | 197 |
1933 | 157 |
1934 | 154 |
1935 | 161 |
1936 | 179 |
1937 | 147 |
1938 | 163 |
1939 | 166 |
1940 | 150 |
1941 | 160 |
1942 | 175 |
1943 | 154 |
1944 | 156 |
1945 | 163 |
1946 | 202 |
1947 | 272 |
1948 | 276 |
1949 | 286 |
1950 | 326 |
1951 | 300 |
1952 | 307 |
1953 | 293 |
1954 | 353 |
1955 | 318 |
1956 | 321 |
1957 | 309 |
1958 | 327 |
1959 | 320 |
1960 | 331 |
1961 | 323 |
1962 | 386 |
1963 | 331 |
1964 | 317 |
1965 | 291 |
1966 | 215 |
1967 | 202 |
1968 | 211 |
1969 | 226 |
1970 | 231 |
1971 | 205 |
1972 | 204 |
1973 | 206 |
1974 | 206 |
1975 | 227 |
1976 | 196 |
1977 | 227 |
1978 | 232 |
1979 | 308 |
1980 | 298 |
1981 | 300 |
1982 | 405 |
1983 | 348 |
1984 | 409 |
1985 | 456 |
1986 | 777 |
1987 | 835 |
1988 | 887 |
1989 | 957 |
1990 | 993 |
1991 | 982 |
1992 | 1,018 |
1993 | 1,073 |
1994 | 948 |
1995 | 795 |
1996 | 829 |
1997 | 943 |
1998 | 1,181 |
1999 | 1,053 |
2000 | 1,305 |
2001 | 1,384 |
2002 | 1,416 |
2003 | 1,511 |
2004 | 1,581 |
2005 | 1,755 |
2006 | 1,938 |
2007 | 2,133 |
2008 | 2,360 |
2009 | 2,402 |
2010 | 2,870 |
2011 | 3,359 |
2012 | 3,269 |
2013 | 3,415 |
2014 | 3,690 |
2015 | 3,740 |
2016 | 3,743 |
2017 | 3,631 |
2018 | 3,992 |
2019 | 4,889 |
2020 | 5,300 |
2021 | 5,727 |
2022 | 5,568 |
2023 | 6,581 |
2024 | 6,611 |