Milo Overview
- Meaning: The name Milo means several different things, depending on the region. Latin and Greek origins translate Milo into “soldier” or “destroyer.” French and Hebrew translations describe Milo as “favored” or “peaceful.”
- Gender: Milo is typically assigned to males. However, Milo is creeping in popularity for females as well.
- Origin: The origins of Milo are Ancient Greece.
- Pronunciation: Milo is pronounced MY-low. It is a two-syllable name with no alternate pronunciations.
- Popularity: Milo is considered a popular name but has not cracked the top 100 baby names for boys.
- Nicknames: Lo, Lo Lo, Miles, Mo, My.
- Variations: Emilio, Malia, Marlo, Mila.
- Namesakes: Milo of Croton, Ancient Greek wrestler, and namesake of the iconic Milo drink of Australia.
What Does Milo Mean?
Milo claims several different European origins.
In Slavic languages, Milo may mean the masculine version of the word “dear” or “beloved.”
In Latin, Milo may be related to the word for “miles” or “soldier,” giving it strong connotations.
In Greek, Milos means “yew flower” (1).
What is the Origin of the Name Milo?
The Ancient Greeks used Milo as a masculine name. During the 11th century, the Normans adopted the name Milo into Great Britain. The word Milo spread from there throughout the world.
How Popular is the Name Milo?
Like Luca or Liam, Milo is within another group of names that have risen in popularity at the turn of the 20th century. Before 2000, Milo did not even crack the top 1,000 in baby name popularity.
In 2015, Milo emerged in the top 300 baby names. Now, Milo breaks into the top 150 baby names in the United States. This makes Milo a popular baby name for the last several years.
How Do I Pronounce Milo?
This two-syllable name has a straightforward pronunciation. Milo is pronounced MY-low. There are no alternative ways to say this name.
Is Milo a Boy or Girl Name?
Milo is generally considered a boy’s name and has increased in popularity steadily after the turn of the last century. As the 2020s emerged, more girls were also being named Milo. While it is still a mild trend, expect to see more girls named Milo.
Variations of Milo
As Milo has connections to cultures worldwide, there are several different variations on the name Milo. Feminine variations on the name Milo are also very common.
- Emilio (Spanish)
- Malia (Hawaiian)
- Marlo (English)
- Maya (Sanskrit)
- Mila (Slavic)
- Miles (German, Irish)
Nicknames for Milo
Milo can be a strong name, so a nickname is key. Even though Milo is a short name, there are still creative and cute ways to nickname. Common nicknames for Milo are:
- Lo
- Lo Lo
- Mimi
- Mize
- Mo
- My
Similar Names to Milo
If Milo inspires you, you can take a few different paths to explore similar names. Milo can be seen as an old-fashioned name, so other retro names may appeal to you. Consider other names with origins in Ancient Greece for the ultimate throwback – like Milo.
- Alexander
- Bernard
- Charles
- Cynthia
- Dorian
- Elliott
- Evelyn
- Mabel
- Malcolm
- Marshall
- Maxwell
- Mitchell
- Nicholas
- Olivia
- Orion
- Sebastian
- Scarlet
Middle Names for Milo
A middle name is a spectacular place to get creative or pay homage. Milo has a throwback appeal and feels on the brink of style. Continue the old-school feeling with a strong, traditional middle name. Or push the envelope by combining a thrilling middle name with Milo.
- Albert
- Anthony
- Bernard
- Brooklyn
- Caroline
- Eleanor
- Grace
- Francis
- Jason
- Mason
- Odysseus
- Walter
- Xander
Sibling Names for Milo
Do you already have an adorable Milo? We suggest pairing a Milo with a whimsical girl or a modern boy name. Check out our list of sibling names for Milo to see how to name your next bundle of joy.
- Aidan
- Anastasia
- Brandon
- Chase
- Clark
- Cole
- Gavin
- Hannah
- Iris
- Kevin
- Melody
- Parker
- Summer
- Trevor
- Vivian
- Weston
- Zachary
Famous People Named Milo
Seal the deal with your name choice by reviewing this list of celebrities who share the name Milo. Many of these famous people named Milo are global figures in pop culture or politics. Clearly, a Milo can do anything!
- Milo M. Acker: American politician.
- Milo Aukerman: American musician and biochemist, the Descendents.
- Milo Butler: the first Governor-General of the Bahamas.
- Milo Cawthorne: New Zealand TV actor, “Power Rangers RPM.”
- Milo of Croton: Ancient Greek wrestler known for his extraordinary strength.
- Milo Manheim: American Disney Channel movie actor, “Zombies” and “Dancing With the Stars.”
- Milo Parker: British film actor, “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.”
- Milo Ventimiglia: American actor, “This Is Us” and “Gilmore Girls.”
- Milo Yiannopoulos: English far-right political figure.
Milo in Popular Culture
Milo’s whimsical yet strong nature makes it an excellent fit for popular culture. The following is a list of pop culture figures and fictional characters named Milo.
- Milo: Main character in the 1961 children’s novel “The Phantom Tollbooth.”
- Milo Bloom: Comic strip character, “Bloom County.”
- Milo Minderbinder: Character in the book “Catch-22” and its sequel, “Closing Time.”
- Milo Murphy: Main character, “Milo Murphy’s Law.”
- Milo Pressman: TV character, “24.”
- Milo Rambaldi: TV character, “Alias.”
- Milo Standish: character in the novel “Brothers” by William Goldman
Milo FAQs
Is Milo a Common Dog Name?
Milo ranks higher in dog names for dogs than as a name for male humans. Milo ranks in the top five for boy puppy names (2).
Is Milo a Nickname For Anything?
Yes! Milo is a common nickname for various Italian or other European names. Names like Miles, Emilio, Emil, or Camillo use Milo as a nickname. In Eastern Europe, the Slavic name Miloslav is nicknamed Milo.
What Does Milo Mean in French?
If the Latin meaning of “destroyer” doesn’t appeal to you, the name means something completely different in French. In France, Milo is a boy’s name that means favored, merciful, or peaceful.
What is Milo?
Milo is a signature drink of Australia, often described as a “crunchy milk drink” (3). This chocolate-flavored beverage was designed to be healthy. Debuting in the early 20th century, this drink is still a part of Australian childhoods.
