Stylistically, Mila is a “chameleon” name. It fits perfectly on a rugged, outdoorsy child just as well as it fits a city-dwelling fashionista. It shares the popular “liquid” sound of names like Liam and Mia but offers a slightly more Slavic, cosmopolitan edge.
Verdict: Mila is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025. It is currently a top-tier favorite because it ticks every box for modern parents: it is easy to spell, impossible to mispronounce, and culturally versatile. While it is popular, it has a timeless quality that ensures it will not feel dated in a decade.
Mila Overview
- Meaning: Mila has multiple meanings. In some Latin languages, the name comes from the word “milagros,” which means “miracles.” In Slavic, Mila means “gracious” or “dear one.” In Hebrew, Mila means “word,” referring to the word of God. And finally, in English, it can be short for Camilla, which can mean “helper to the priest.”
- Gender: Mila is predominantly given to girls. There are few boys with the name.
- Origin: Like its meanings, Mila has several origins as well. Most of them can be traced back to a Slavic root in Central and Eastern Europe where Mila was used as part of a larger name. When it was added to another name it meant “gracious” or “dear.”
- Pronunciation: Meelah is most commonly pronounced: “MEE-lah,” with the short gasping “a” at the end. The other way is “MEE-luh,” with a shorter “u.”
- Popularity: The name is very popular in Central and Eastern Europe. In the United States, it ranked number 20 for girls in 2020.
- Nicknames: Lala, Lee-Lee, Mils, Mimi, Mimz.
- Variations: Milada, Milah, Milan, Milana, Milena, Milica, Milka, Mile, Milen, Miloje, Milo, Miloš, Mylène.
- Namesakes: Mila Kunis (American actress), Mila Mason (American country singer).
What Does Mila Mean?
The name Mila is a multicultural gem with a few distinct etymological roots, allowing parents to choose the meaning that resonates most with them.
In its most common Slavic root, Mila comes from the element mil, which translates directly to “gracious” or “dear one.” It is a name of affection, traditionally given to a child who is deeply loved and cherished by their community.
In Latin rooted languages, specifically Spanish, Mila acts as a diminutive of Milagros. The meaning here is profound and spiritual, translating to “miracles.”
There is also a Hebrew connection, where Mila (מִילָה) means “word.” In a religious context, this is often interpreted as the “word of God” or “unifying word,” giving the name a studious and pious undertone. Finally, in English traditions, it serves as a punchy, modern nickname for Camilla, meaning “helper to the priest” (1).
Where Does the Name Mila Come From?
Mila is primarily of Central and Eastern European heritage. Historically, it began not as a standalone name, but as a diminutive (nickname) for longer, more formal Slavic names containing the mil element. Examples include Ludmila (people’s love), Milena (gracious), and Milica.
Over the last century, as naming trends shifted toward shorter, lighter monikers, Mila shed its “nickname” status to become a full given name. It has a rich history of use in Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Croatia before making its trans-Atlantic leap to the United States.
How Popular is the Name Mila?
Mila is a modern naming phenomenon. If you look at US Social Security Administration data from the 1980s or 90s, the name was virtually non-existent in America. It did not even enter the Top 1000 list until 2006.
Since its debut, its rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Propelled largely by the fame of actress Mila Kunis, the name vaulted from obscurity to the Top 100 in just seven years. By 2020, it ranked number 20 for baby girls (2).
Today, Mila is considered a “modern classic.” It is no longer a rare, exotic import; it is a staple of the American playground, beloved for its simplicity and elegance.
How Do I Pronounce Mila?
The beauty of this name lies in its phonetic simplicity. It is pronounced “MEE-lah.”
The first syllable rhymes with “see,” and the second syllable is a soft, open “ah” sound. Occasionally, you may hear it pronounced “MY-lah” (rhyming with Tyler), but this is technically a different variation (Myla).
Is Mila a Boy or Girl Name?
Mila is almost exclusively used as a girl’s name. While the root mil is gender-neutral and appears in many masculine Slavic names, the “a” ending firmly cements Mila as feminine in English-speaking cultures.
For parents seeking a similar masculine equivalent, Milo, Milan, or Milos are the traditional male counterparts.
Variations of Mila
Because this name spans so many borders, there are lovely variations to consider if you want something slightly different:
- Milena: A Czech and Slavic elaboration that feels slightly more formal.
- Milla: The common spelling in Germanic and Nordic regions (and the spelling used by actress Milla Jovovich).
- Ludmila: The vintage Slavic classic meaning “favor of the people.”
- Mylène: A sophisticated French contraction of Marie and Hélène.
- Milagros: The Spanish name meaning “miracles,” for which Mila is the nickname.
- Kamila: An Arabic or Eastern European variation of Camilla.
Nicknames for Mila
Mila is already short, but affectionate parents always find a way to shorten things further. Here are common and creative nicknames:
- Mimi: A vintage, sweet option.
- Mills: A preppy, cool-girl nickname.
- Mila-Moo: A common playful term of endearment for babies.
- La: Focusing on the final cheerful vowel sound.
- Lee-Lee: playing off the “Mee” sound.
Names Similar to Mila
If you love the vibe of Mila but want to explore other options, these names share similar sounds (liquid consonants and vowels) or European heritage:
- Mira: Very close in sound, meaning “peace” or “ocean” in Sanskrit and “look” in Spanish.
- Isla: Shares the short, 4-letter structure and ending sound, but with Scottish roots.
- Maya: Another international hit that works in almost every language.
- Aria: Shares the musical, airy quality of Mila.
- Lila: Simply swaps the M for an L; means “night” in Arabic.
- Elena: A European classic that often uses Mila (or Lena) as a nickname.
- Nina: Another “short and sweet” European name with Slavic roots.
- Lia: The Italian suffix-turned-name that feels very similar to Mila.
Middle Names for Mila
Mila is a two-syllable name with a soft ending, which makes it versatile. It pairs best with longer, grounding middle names or crisp one-syllable names.
Classic & Elegant
These pairings lean into the European royalty vibe of the name.
Modern & Punchy
These middle names add a bit of contemporary grit to the soft first name.
Nature Inspired
Soft, bohemian choices that highlight the “dear one” meaning.
- Mila Hazel
- Mila Pearl
- Mila Rose
- Mila Dawn
- Mila June
Sibling Names for Mila
Creating a “sib-set” for Mila is fun because the name plays well with both vintage and modern styles.
For a Brother
You generally want a name that is solid and traditional but not too stuffy.
- Julian: Matches Mila’s European flair perfectly.
- Leo: Shares the short, vowel-heavy sound.
- James: A grounded classic that balances Mila’s lightness.
- Charlie: Friendly and universally liked, just like Mila.
- Thomas: A timeless anchor name.
- Luca: The Italian counterpart that mirrors Mila’s structure.
For a Sister
Look for names that are feminine and end in a vowel, or have a floral connection.
- Lily: A perfect floral match.
- Esme: French, chic, and sophisticated.
- Ava: A palindrome name that equals Mila in popularity.
- Hannah: A gentle biblical option.
- Phoebe: Greek origin, meaning “bright,” which pairs well with “dear one.”
- Lillian: A longer version of Lily that sounds lovely with Mila.
Famous People Named Mila
- Mila Kunis: The Ukrainian-born American actress who single-handedly launched the name into the US stratosphere. She is known for Black Swan and Bad Moms.
- Mila J: An American singer, rapper, and dancer.
- Mila Mulroney: The wife of the 18th Prime Minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney.
- Mila Gojsalić: A Croatian folk heroine and martyr from the 16th century, famous for igniting a gunpowder store to defeat the Ottoman army.
Mila in Pop Culture
- Mila: A major character in the video game Dead or Alive 5.
- Mila: The protagonist in the young adult novel The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse, where she is a feral child raised by dolphins.
- Mila: A character in the anime sensation Yuri on Ice (Mila Babicheva).
- Mila: A trusted housekeeper character in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
FAQs About the Name Mila
Here are the answers to the most common questions we get about this beautiful name.
What Else Is Mila Short For?
While Mila is a standalone name today, it is traditionally a diminutive for a wide variety of Slavic names. These include Ludmila (people’s favor), Milena (gracious), Milica (gracious), Bogumila (dear to God), and Jamila (beautiful in Arabic). It is also used as a nickname for Camilla and Emilia.
Is Mila a Cute Name?
Yes, Mila is widely considered a “cute” name because of its soft sounds and petite length. However, unlike some cute names that sound childish, Mila ages well. It is sophisticated enough for a lawyer or CEO, yet sweet enough for a newborn. It balances “cuteness” with European elegance.
Is The Name Mila Biblical?
Mila does not appear as a character in the Bible. However, it has a Hebrew linguistic connection. The Hebrew word “Milla” (מִילָה) means “word.” In Jewish philosophy, “The Word” can refer to the process of creation or the act of circumcision (Brit Milah), making it a word with significant religious weight, even if not used as a name in scripture.
How Do You Spell Mila?
The most common spelling in the United States is Mila. However, “Milla” (with two Ls) is a valid variation, often preferred in German or Nordic countries to ensure the vowel is pronounced short (though in English, Milla and Mila are pronounced almost identically). “Myla” is a phonetic spelling but is generally considered a separate name.
Is The Name Mila Too Popular?
Mila is definitely a popular name, consistently ranking in the Top 20 or Top 30 in the US. If you are looking for a completely unique name where your child will be the only one in their class, Mila might be too common for you. However, its popularity confirms that it is a well-loved, universally accepted name that fits modern trends.
