Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Miles
BoyGermanic, English
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Germanic, English
- Pronunciation
- MYLZ
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #44
- US babies 2025
- 6,072
- Best rank
- #37 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Miles
Miles is usually linked to Germanic and English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
Miles has an uncertain origin. It came to England with the Normans as a form of the Germanic name Milo, which some link to a Slavic element meaning gracious. It has also long been associated with the Latin miles, meaning soldier, though that connection may be a later interpretation. Myles Standish, the military leader of the Plymouth colony, carried it to early New England, and the jazz trumpeter Miles Davis gave it a cool modern edge. Today it feels polished, artistic and easygoing. Myles is a common alternative spelling.
Other spellings with the same sound: Myles.
Popularity over time
Miles has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #37 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 6,634 babies. In 2025, 6,072 babies were named Miles, and it ranked #44 nationally. That is 62% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #390 in 1920, #375 in 1950, #490 in 1980, #257 in 2000, #137 in 2010, and #44 in 2025. Of the 122,868 US boys named Miles since records began, 30% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 35,899 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Bennett, Roman, Thiago, Cooper, and Santiago.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Miles ranked highest in Utah, Montana, and Nebraska.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #11 | 156 |
| Montana | #12 | 37 |
| Nebraska | #14 | 62 |
| Iowa | #17 | 85 |
| Washington | #20 | 194 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Miles is usually pronounced MYLZ, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-es”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Myles.
Middle names for Miles
A few middle names that flow with Miles: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Miles
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Lists that include Miles
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Miles mean?
Miles is usually linked to Germanic and English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Miles?
Miles has Germanic and English roots. Miles has an uncertain origin.
Is Miles a popular name?
Yes. Miles ranked #44 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Miles a boy or girl name?
Miles is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Miles?
Miles is usually pronounced MYLZ. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings