Everything about the name MILES

Meaning, origin, history

The name Miles is of English origin and means "soldier" or "merciful." It is derived from the Latin word "miles," which was used to refer to a soldier in the Roman army. The name Miles has been in use for centuries and has been popular among families with military backgrounds or those who simply appreciate its strong and noble connotation.

In medieval England, Miles was a common given name and many members of nobility bore this name. One famous bearer of the name Miles was Miles Coverdale, an English Bishop who is known for his translation of the Bible into English during the 16th century.

The name Miles has also been associated with several notable figures in popular culture. For example, Miles Davis was a renowned American jazz trumpeter and bandleader, while Miles Teller is an American actor known for his roles in films such as "Whiplash" and "The Spectacular Now."

Overall, the name Miles is a strong and powerful choice that carries with it a long history of use and association with courage, bravery, and mercy. Whether you're looking for a name with military roots or simply appreciate its classic and timeless sound, Miles is an excellent option to consider.

See also

English

Popularity of the name MILES since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

Based on the provided statistics, we can see that the name Miles has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States.

From 1880 to around 1970, the number of babies named Miles fluctuated between around 20 and 50 births per year. However, starting in the late 1970s, there was a notable rise in the popularity of the name Miles. In 1979, there were 308 babies named Miles, and this number continued to grow steadily throughout the 1980s.

The year 1986 marked a significant turning point for the name Miles, with 777 births that year – more than double the previous year's total. This trend continued into the 1990s, with the number of babies named Miles reaching four digits for the first time in 1998 (1,181 births).

The early 2000s saw a peak in popularity for the name Miles, with over 3,000 babies named Miles each year from 2006 to 2011. Since then, the number of babies named Miles has remained consistently high, with over 5,000 births per year between 2017 and 2023.

In conclusion, while the name Miles was relatively uncommon in the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries, it has become increasingly popular in recent decades. As of 2023, Miles is one of the most common boys' names in the United States, with over 6,500 babies named Miles that year alone. This trend suggests that Miles will continue to be a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and distinctive name for their sons.