Milo is a gender-neutral name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Milo, which was itself derived from the Latin word "miles," meaning "soldier." This name has been used throughout history and across different cultures, appearing in various forms such as Myles, Miles, Miloš, and Mylo.
The name Milo first gained prominence during ancient Roman times. There are several notable figures named Milo throughout history, including Milo of Croton, a legendary six-time Olympic champion in wrestling during the 6th century BCE, and Milo Cushing, an American soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Civil War.
In literature, the name Milo appears in various works. It is the name of a character in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield," as well as the title character in Daniel Quinn's philosophical novel "Ishmael." Additionally, Milo has been used as a given name by several notable figures, such as American actor Milo Ventimiglia and British musician Milo Greene.
The name Milo has also appeared in popular culture, most notably as the protagonist of the animated film "Milo and Otis," a story about an English Bulldog named Milo and his adventures with his best friend Otis, a tabby cat. More recently, Milo has been used as the name for the main character in the popular video game series "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild."
Overall, Milo is a name with a rich history and diverse origins that has been associated with strength, courage, and wisdom throughout the centuries. Its gender-neutral nature makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a unique and timeless name for their child.
The popularity of the name Milo has seen significant fluctuations over time, with a marked increase in recent years. From the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, Milo was given to around 40-60 children per year on average. However, starting from the late 1970s, there's a noticeable decline, with fewer than 50 births per year recorded in many years between 1980 and 2010.
The turning point occurs around the early 2000s when Milo starts to gain traction again. By 2010, we see over 600 births, and this number continues to rise steadily each year thereafter. The most recent data shows that in 2022, there were over 3100 births named Milo, indicating a significant increase in its popularity compared to previous decades.
This trend suggests that the name Milo has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with parents increasingly choosing this name for their children in recent years.