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

  • Mia

  • 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:

  • Aiden

  • Aria

  • Avery

  • Emma

  • Finn

  • James

  • Julian

  • Levi

  • Liam

  • Luca

  • Martial

  • Mason

  • Matthew

  • Maya

  • Milo

  • Olivia

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.