Milo
Milo is a boy name of Germanic origin meaning “Merciful, soldier”, pronounced MY-loh. It ranked #119 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,974 babies, and peaked at #119 in 2025. Common nicknames: Mi.
How popular is Milo in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Milo mean, and where does it come from?
Milo has layered origins, most often traced to the Old German element "milo," related to mercy or gentleness, though it is also linked to the Slavic root "mil," meaning "dear" or "gracious," and to the Latin "miles," meaning "soldier." The name has ancient roots, borne by Milo of Croton, a legendary six-time Olympic wrestling champion of ancient Greece. It has surged dramatically in popularity in the 21st century across the English-speaking world, boosted by its friendly, storybook charm seen in characters from The Phantom Tollbooth to Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Milo now ranks among the most fashionable vintage-revival boy names.
How is Milo used around the world?
Milo is used in 2 languages worldwide.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Milo?
Famous People Named Milo
- Milo Ventimiglia — American actor known for This Is Us
- Milo of Croton — ancient Greek wrestler and six-time Olympic champion
- Milo Manheim — American actor and dancer
Similar Names to Milo
If you like Milo, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Milo
Looking for names that pair well with Milo? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Milo mean?
Milo is a boy name of Germanic origin meaning "Merciful, soldier." Milo has layered origins, most often traced to the Old German element "milo," related to mercy or gentleness, though it is also linked to the Slavic root "mil," meaning "dear" or "gracious," and to the Latin "miles," meaning "soldier." The name has ancient roots, borne by Milo of Croton, a legendary six-time Olympic wrestling champion of ancient Greece.
How do you pronounce Milo?
Milo is pronounced MY-loh. Common variations include Mylo, Myles, Milow.
Is Milo a boy name?
Yes, Milo is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Mi.