Giles is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Aegidius," which means "goat." This name was popular among the Normans who invaded England in the 11th century, bringing with them many continental names.
The name Giles was introduced to England by the Normans and was initially used as a personal name. However, over time it evolved into a surname due to the practice of hereditary surnames becoming more common during the Middle Ages. Today, Giles is still used as both a given name and a surname in English-speaking countries.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Giles. One famous example is Saint Giles, a 7th-century Christian hermit from Greece who was known for his charity towards the poor and sick. He is considered the patron saint of lepers and is often depicted as having a pilgrim's staff and a goat accompanying him, reflecting his connection to the Latin word "Aegidius."
In literature, Giles is the name of the main character in H.G. Wells' 1895 science fiction novel "The Invisible Man." This fictional creation has contributed to the name's enduring popularity in English-speaking countries.
Overall, the name Giles has a rich history and unique origin that sets it apart from other names. Its association with Saint Giles gives it a sense of spirituality and benevolence, while its literary connections add an element of intrigue and imagination.
The given statistics show the annual number of births for the name Giles over a period spanning from 1880 to 2023. The data reveals a fluctuating trend with no clear pattern or consistent increase or decrease over time.
During the late 19th century and early 20th century, there were periods with relatively high birth numbers, such as in the years 1912-1918 (ranging from 32 to 86 births per year). However, these were followed by significant declines, particularly after World War I.
Post-WWII, the number of annual Giles births generally stabilized between 20 and 40, with some exceptions. The highest post-war peak was in 1974 with 36 births. From the late 1980s onwards, there is a noticeable decline, with many years showing fewer than 20 births.
In recent years (2010-2023), the number of annual Giles births has been quite low, ranging from 11 to 29. The total number of births over this entire period is 4699.