Mila Name Meaning
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Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Mila.
Fact checked by Karen Cilli
Because Mila is a common name in many regions, it has many meanings. In Spanish, Mila is derived from the name Milagros, which means “miracles.” In Italian, the name also means “miracle.” However, in Russian, it means “gracious” or “dear one.”
Typically, Mila is a nickname given to people with names like Camila and Emila, but the name has since taken on a life of its own and is now given as a stand-alone first name. For instance, American author Jenna Bush Hager named her daughter Mila.
Origin: The name Mila has several origins. It has been traced to Russian, Spanish, and Italian roots.
Gender: Mila is typically a feminine name, but it can be given to babies of any gender.
Pronunciation: mee-lah
Editor's Note
Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.
How Popular Is the Name Mila?
Actress Mila Kunis, star of the hit TV series That 70s Show and the movie Black Swan, is thought to have contributed to the popularity of the name in the United States in recent years. Interestingly, Mila isn’t Kunis' given name. Her first name is Milena, and Mila is a nickname she has wholly embraced.
As of 2023, Mila was the 28th most popular name for girls in the United States.
However, Mila wasn’t always a popular name. In 2006, it was ranked as the 746th most popular name for girls. Just seven years later, though, it jumped up the list to 78th place. In 2018, the name Mila reached the peak of its popularity as the 14th most popular name.
Name Variations
Because Mila has various origins, it also has several variations in spelling. Here are the most common:
Milada (Slovak)
Milka (Slovene)
Milana (Belarusian)
Milena (Italian)
Milica (Slovene)
Mylène (French)
Some other variations of the name that are typically given to boys include:
Milah
Milan (Russian, Bulgarian, Czech)
Mile (Croatian, Macedonian)
Milen (Bulgarian)
Miloje (Serbian)
Miloš (Serbian, Macedonian)
Similar Names
If you are considering the name Mila for your baby but want to think about other options before you make your decision, here are some similar names:
Arabella
Aria
Cora
Elena
Eva
Freya
Lila
Lola
Luna
Mali
Maria
Mya
Myra
Naila
Shaila
Sienna
Common Nicknames for Mila
Mila is a chic, no-fuss name that typically needs no nicknames. But, if you're looking for a few nicknames for your baby Mila, some popular options include Mimi, Lala, and Mils.
Suggested Sibling Names
Looking for a sibling name for Mila? Here are some popular choices:
Famous People Named Mila
If you’ve decided to name your baby Mila, below are some inspiring people, both real and fictional, who will be sharing the name with your baby.
Famous Milas
Mila Gojsalić, Croatian folk heroine
Mila Hager, granddaughter of former President George W. Bush
Mila J, American singer, songwriter, and rapper
Milla Jovovich, American actress, model, and musician
Mila Kunis, American actress and producer
Mila Mason, American country music artist
Mila Nikolova, Bulgarian mathematician
Fictional Milas
Mila, a character in the game Dead or Alive
Mila, a character in the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Mila, the main character in the Japanese anime Mila Superstar
Mila, the main character in the children’s book The Music of Dolphins
Mila Babicheva, a character in the Japanese anime Yuri on Ice
More Baby Names
Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:
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Read the original article on Parents.