Giles

“Young goat”

United Kingdom origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#7433US 2023

11Births / yr

↓Falling

4.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Giles

JEYELZ

/ˈdʒaɪlz/ · stress on JEYELZ · 1 syllable

“Young goat”

United Kingdom origin · Boy name

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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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

How popular is Giles right now?

Falling — down 842 spots — currently #7433 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#7433 · Top 5.5%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Giles

Best Year1900Rank #655

Peak Count78

Average Rank#2406

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

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:

John William James George Charles

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?

Common

GilGilieGily

What names sound and feel like Giles?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Giles also consider these

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Gyles

United Kingdom · A variation of

Jiles

USA · Derived from 'Giles'

Wiles

English · crafty, sly

Gines

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Biles

Arabic · A Arabic name

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.