Meaning, origin, history
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.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Milo since 1880
Total births
37,829
Total since 1880
Peak year
2022
3,105 births
in 2023
2,950
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+144%
↗
vs previous 5 years