Meaning, origin, history
Milou is a name of French origin and it means "sailor". It is derived from the word "moule", which means "limpet" in French. The name Milou was popularized by French writer Louis-Ferdinand Céline, who used it for the character of a dog in his novel "Journey to the End of the Night".
The name Milou has been associated with dogs throughout history, most notably with the character Milou (also known as Snowy) from the Tintin comic series created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé. In these stories, Milou is Tintin's loyal and brave dog companion who often helps him on his adventures.
Despite its popularity among dogs, Milou has also been used as a given name for humans, particularly in France and other French-speaking countries. It has gained some international recognition due to its use by celebrities such as French singer Mylène Farmer, whose real name is Mylène Pénétrez, often shortened to Milou.
Overall, the name Milou is of French origin with a meaning of "sailor". Its history is tied closely with dogs, particularly those in literature and popular culture. However, it remains an option for parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children as well.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Milou since 1880
Total births
6
Total since 1880
Peak year
2022
6 births
in 2022
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years