What does Gilles mean and where does it come from?
Gilles is a French given name that derives from the Greek name 'Aegidius', meaning 'shield bearer'. It is a historically significant name in France, associated with various saints and notable figures, particularly Saint Gilles. The name gained popularity in the medieval period and remains common in
Cultural significance
Gilles has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #2130 in 1946 — currently #1829 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Gilles?
Gilles works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gilles Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Gilles Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gilles Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gilles Claire
French influence · crisp
Gilles Jane
Literary · strong
Gilles Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gilles right now?
Holding steady — currently #1829 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1829 | 371 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1834 | 351 | ▲ up 5 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #1839 | 321 | ▲ up 4972 · +6320% births |
| 1985 | #6811 | 5 | ▼ down 1060 |
| 1975 | #5751 | 5 | ▼ down 702 |
| 1970 | #5049 | 5 | ▼ down 673 |
| 1960 | #4376 | 5 | ▼ down 1662 · -50% births |
| 1955 | #2714 | 10 | ▲ up 1316 · +100% births |
| 1950 | #4030 | 5 | ▼ down 1063 · -29% births |
| 1945 | #2967 | 7 | ▲ up 894 · +40% births |
| 1940 | #3861 | 5 | ▼ down 1335 · -50% births |
| 1935 | #2526 | 10 | — |
The story of Gilles
Gilles entered American naming records in 1923 and has been in use for over 101 years. With 357 total births recorded, Gilles remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2526 in 1935 to #1829 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Gilles in 1946:
Gilles by decade
Gilles peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 35 | |
| 1930s | 60 | |
| 1940s | 75 | |
| 1950s ★ | 82 | |
| 1960s | 57 | |
| 1970s | 32 | |
| 1980s | 10 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
💎Gilles has only 357 total recorded births since 1923 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Gilles?
What names sound and feel like Gilles?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gilles also consider these
How is Gilles written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Gilles
What does the name Gilles mean?
Gilles means "Greek" — a name rooted in France 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 Gilles?
Gilles is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Gilles?
Gilles originates from France tradition. France 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 Gilles?
Gilles is a one-syllable name pronounced ZH IY1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Gilles sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Gilles flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Gilles ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.