Milo is a gender-neutral name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Milo, which was itself derived from the Latin word "miles," meaning "soldier." This name has been used throughout history and across different cultures, appearing in various forms such as Myles, Miles, Miloš, and Mylo.
The name Milo first gained prominence during ancient Roman times. There are several notable figures named Milo throughout history, including Milo of Croton, a legendary six-time Olympic champion in wrestling during the 6th century BCE, and Milo Cushing, an American soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Civil War.
In literature, the name Milo appears in various works. It is the name of a character in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield," as well as the title character in Daniel Quinn's philosophical novel "Ishmael." Additionally, Milo has been used as a given name by several notable figures, such as American actor Milo Ventimiglia and British musician Milo Greene.
The name Milo has also appeared in popular culture, most notably as the protagonist of the animated film "Milo and Otis," a story about an English Bulldog named Milo and his adventures with his best friend Otis, a tabby cat. More recently, Milo has been used as the name for the main character in the popular video game series "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild."
Overall, Milo is a name with a rich history and diverse origins that has been associated with strength, courage, and wisdom throughout the centuries. Its gender-neutral nature makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a unique and timeless name for their child.
The name Milo has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as reflected in the provided statistics. In the late 19th century, the name appeared sporadically with fewer than 35 births per year between 1880 and 1896. However, it began to gain traction in the early 20th century, reaching a significant milestone of over 100 births in 1912.
The years 1914 to 1923 saw a steady increase in the popularity of Milo, with the highest number of births reaching 217 in 1920. After this peak, the name's usage began to decline, dropping below 150 births per year between 1924 and 1968.
A notable resurgence occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with Milo reaching its highest popularity since the 1920s. Between 1976 and 1983, the number of births ranged from 45 to 63 per year.
The name Milo continued to maintain a steady presence throughout the remainder of the 20th century, with births ranging from around 40 to 80 per year between 1984 and 2000. However, in recent years, Milo has experienced a significant surge in popularity, surpassing previous records.
Between 2000 and 2023, the number of births named Milo increased dramatically, reaching an all-time high of 3105 in 2022. The most recent data from 2023 shows that Milo is still a popular choice for parents, with 2950 births recorded.
In conclusion, while Milo may not have always been a common name in the United States, its usage has shown periods of significant popularity and resurgence over time. Today, Milo remains one of the more frequently chosen names for newborn boys in the U.S., reflecting its enduring appeal among parents.