Girls · #43 in 2025
Mila: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Slavic
- Meaning
- Gracious or dear
- Pronunciation
- MEE-luh
- Nickname options
- Mimi
Origin and meaning
Mila comes from the Slavic name element milŭ, associated with being gracious or dear. It can stand alone or serve as a short form of longer names containing that element. Similar short forms can also arise in other name families.
U.S. popularity
Mila ranked #43 for girls in the United States in 2025, with 4,796 girls given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #14, reached in 2018. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Mila feels gentle and soft without being overly wispy. Its two clear syllables make it approachable, and the M gives the airy ending a warm anchor. It is a strong choice for parents who prefer a small name with a complete, balanced sound.
Things to consider
Mila and Myla often have different English pronunciations. If you want MEE-luh, practice introducing it with that sound clearly.
If you love Mila, consider…
- Mia: Makes the gentle shape even shorter.
- Lila: Keeps the rhythm with a different opening.
- Nora: Adds more consonant weight.
- Ava: Offers a sharper central sound.
- Camila: Provides a longer option that contains Mila.
- Elena: Adds a flowing extra syllable.
- Luna: Keeps the soft shape with celestial imagery.
- Amara: Offers a warmer, longer alternative.