What does Giles mean and where does it come from?
Giles is of Latin and Greek origin and has been common in both the United Kingdom and France. The name derives from 'Aegidius,' which means 'young goat' in Latin as well as symbolizing a shield bearer in Greek. Giles has been borne by several notable figures, including St. Giles, a 7th-century hermi
Cultural significance
Giles has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of young goat.
Peak popularity
Reached #369 in 1881 — currently #7433 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Giles?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Giles?
Giles works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Giles Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Giles Rose
Floral · soft ending
Giles Mae
Sweet · timeless
Giles Claire
French influence · crisp
Giles Jane
Literary · strong
Giles Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Giles right now?
Falling — down 842 spots — currently #7433 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7433 | 11 | ▼ down 842 · -15% births |
| 2022 | #6591 | 13 | ▼ down 968 · -19% births |
| 2021 | #5623 | 16 | ▼ down 635 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #4988 | 18 | ▼ down 286 · -10% births |
| 2015 | #4702 | 20 | ▼ down 1174 · -33% births |
| 2010 | #3528 | 30 | ▼ down 80 · +7% births |
| 2005 | #3448 | 28 | ▲ up 1340 · +87% births |
| 2000 | #4788 | 15 | ▼ down 2160 · -46% births |
| 1995 | #2628 | 28 | ▲ up 541 · +47% births |
| 1990 | #3169 | 19 | ▼ down 1051 · -27% births |
| 1985 | #2118 | 26 | ▼ down 4 · +4% births |
| 1980 | #2114 | 25 | ▼ down 358 · -11% births |
| 1975 | #1756 | 28 | ▼ down 260 · -12% births |
| 1970 | #1496 | 32 | ▲ up 132 · +39% births |
| 1965 | #1628 | 23 | — |
The story of Giles
Giles has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 4,659 total births recorded, Giles remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #409 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7433 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Giles in 1881:
Giles by decade
Giles peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 153 | |
| 1890s | 93 | |
| 1900s | 103 | |
| 1910s | 508 | |
| 1920s ★ | 685 | |
| 1930s | 595 | |
| 1940s | 476 | |
| 1950s | 490 | |
| 1960s | 341 | |
| 1970s | 280 | |
| 1980s | 257 | |
| 1990s | 243 | |
| 2000s | 210 | |
| 2010s | 207 | |
| 2020s | 18 | |
💎With 4,659 total births, Giles is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Giles?
What names sound and feel like Giles?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Giles also consider these
How is Giles written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Giles
What does the name Giles mean?
Giles means "Young goat" — a name rooted in United Kingdom tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Giles?
Giles is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Giles?
Giles originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Giles?
Giles is a one-syllable name pronounced JH AY1 L Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Giles sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Giles flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Giles ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.