Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Miley
GirlAmerican (modern coinage)· “modern name from the nickname Smiley”
- Meaning
- modern name from the nickname Smiley
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- MY-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #338
- US babies 2025
- 900
- Best rank
- #129 (2008)
- Peak year
- 2008
Meaning and origin of Miley
Miley is an American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “modern name from the nickname Smiley”.
Miley is a modern American name made famous by singer and actress Miley Cyrus. She has said that the name grew out of Smiley, a nickname given to her as a baby because of her cheerful smile, and her stage name became her legal first name. The name shares its sound with Kylie, Riley and Myla. Miley is bright, playful and contemporary, and it carries a happy association through its origin in the word smile. It stands on its own or as a nickname for Amelia or Miles.
Popularity over time
Miley first appears in US Social Security records in 1889. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 17 different years, starting in 2007. Its best national rank was #129 in 2008, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,652 babies. In 2025, 900 babies were named Miley, and it ranked #338 nationally. That is 242% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #4,782 in 1920, #9,897 in 1980, #11,456 in 2000, #215 in 2010, and #338 in 2025. Of the 15,704 US girls named Miley since records began, 39% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,924 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Giselle, Kate, Alana, Laila, and Kylee.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Miley ranked highest in Idaho, Ohio, and Oklahoma.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Miley is usually pronounced MY-lee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Miley
A few middle names that flow with Miley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Miley
Similar names
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Lists that include Miley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Miley mean?
Miley is an American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “modern name from the nickname Smiley”.
What is the origin of the name Miley?
Miley has modern American roots. Miley is a modern American name made famous by singer and actress Miley Cyrus.
Is Miley a popular name?
Yes. Miley ranked #338 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Miley a boy or girl name?
Miley is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Miley?
Miley is usually pronounced MY-lee. 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