Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Milo
BoyGermanic, Slavic· “possibly 'merciful' or 'dear'”
- Meaning
- possibly 'merciful' or 'dear' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Germanic, Slavic
- Pronunciation
- MY-loh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #119
- US babies 2025
- 2,974
- Best rank
- #119 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Milo
Milo is often said to mean “possibly 'merciful' or 'dear'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Germanic and Slavic roots.
Milo is an old name with uncertain roots. It was used in medieval Europe as a Latin form of the Germanic Miles, whose meaning is unclear, and it may be connected to a Slavic element meaning dear or gracious. The ancient Greek wrestler Milo of Croton bore a similar-sounding name. In English literature, Milo is a character in The Phantom Tollbooth. Milo has become a modern favorite thanks to its short, friendly sound and its vintage charm. It feels playful yet sturdy and works for all ages.
Popularity over time
Milo 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 108 different years. Its best national rank was #119 in 2025, and the most babies received it in 2022, when 3,115 were named Milo. In 2025, 2,974 babies were named Milo, and it ranked #119 nationally. That is 132% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #399 in 1920, #693 in 1950, #1,425 in 1980, #1,113 in 2000, #423 in 2010, and #119 in 2025. Of the 43,847 US boys named Milo since records began, 40% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 13,823 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Legend, Jasper, Zion, Kingston, and Emmett.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Milo ranked highest in Utah, Hawaii, and Minnesota.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Milo over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Milo is usually pronounced MY-loh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with M and ends in “-lo”.
Middle names for Milo
A few middle names that flow with Milo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Milo
Similar names
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Lists that include Milo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Milo mean?
Milo is often said to mean “possibly 'merciful' or 'dear'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Germanic and Slavic roots.
What is the origin of the name Milo?
Milo has Germanic and Slavic roots. Milo is an old name with uncertain roots.
Is Milo a popular name?
Yes. Milo ranked #119 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Milo a boy or girl name?
Milo is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Milo over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Milo?
Milo is usually pronounced MY-loh. 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