Milo
/MY-loh/
Milo is a boy name of Germanic origin, meaning Uncertain; possibly "merciful" or "soldier.
- GenderBoy
- OriginGermanic
- StyleOriginal
- Syllables2
- US rank#131
What does Milo mean?
Uncertain; possibly "merciful" or "soldier
Milo is the Latinised form of the medieval name Milo or Miles, whose origin is disputed. It may come from a Germanic element meaning "merciful" or "gentle", or from the Slavic mil, "dear". The resemblance to the Latin miles, "soldier", is probably coincidental but shaped how the name was understood.
The story behind the name
Milo of Croton was a wrestler of the sixth century BC, six times Olympic champion, around whom a great deal of legend accumulated - including that he trained by carrying a calf daily until it was a bull.
The name came to England with the Normans as Miles and was in steady use through the Middle Ages. Milo, the Latin form, was revived in the nineteenth century.
It has risen quickly since 2000 in Britain, Germany and Australia, and belongs to the current fashion for short names ending in -o.
Notable people named Milo
- Milo of Croton, Greek wrestler
- Milo Ventimiglia, actor
- Miles Davis, musician (as Miles)
How popular is Milo?
Popularity in the United States
Milo has been given to 29,110 babies in the United States since 1880, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.
About 1 in 595 babies born in the United States were given this name in the most recent year on record.
Popularity in France
Milo has been given to 14,297 babies in France since 1950, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.
Popularity in Spain
There are 467 people called Milo living in Spain, with an average age of 7.
Variants and related names
Other spellings: Miles, Mylo, Mílo
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Start swiping - it's freeFrequently asked questions about Milo
What does the name Milo mean?
Milo means Uncertain; possibly "merciful" or "soldier. It is of Germanic origin.
Is Milo a boy's or a girl's name?
Milo is most often given to boys.
How do you pronounce Milo?
Milo is pronounced MY-loh.
How popular is the name Milo?
Milo has been given to 29,110 babies in the United States since 1880, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.
What are other spellings of Milo?
Common variants include Miles, Mylo, Mílo.