Surname Myles - Meaning and Origin

Changing Identity Through DNA: Discovering My Norwegian Ancestry With iGENEA

Embarking on a personal journey into my ancestry through iGENEA's DNA test turned my perception of my cultural identity on its head. I expected Irish roots through my ancestor Myles but found Norwegian ancestry, linked to the indigenous Sami people, altering my self-understanding.

X. Myles

Myles: What does the surname Myles mean?

The last name Myles is of Irish origin and derived from the Gaelic name "O Maoileoin," meaning "servant or devotee of St. John." It is also associated with the Germanic element "milo," meaning "merciful." Over time, it has been transformed into various forms such as Miles, Myles, Milo, and Mylo. The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, partially due to the fame of the soldier Milesius of Spain, a mythical ancestor of the Irish people, known for his strength and bravery. The name Myles is traditionally given to boys and is considered a symbol of chivalry, kindness, and masculinity. Despite being more commonly used as a first name, Myles is also a surname worldwide.

Myles: Where does the name Myles come from?

The surname Myles is of English origin. It is derived from the medieval first name Miles, which was introduced to Britain by the Normans, originally as Milo. The name has Germanic roots, deriving from the word "miles," meaning soldier, or merciful. It may also have roots in Slavic languages where it means "gracious" or "dear".

The name was popularized in the middle ages due to a saint named Milo. Over time, it evolved into a surname. Variations of this surname include Miles, Myles, Milo, and Milsen. In terms of regional distribution, the Myles surname is now predominately found in the United States, England, and Australia. It is less common but can still be found in Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and other countries.

In contemporary usage, Myles is both a surname and a given name. Regardless of its form, the name is universally recognized, making it a favored choice in numerous countries.

Variations of the surname Myles

The surname Myles has various spelling variants, alternative surnames, and is of the same origin as many other names. This name is believed to have originated from the given name Miles, that has Latin and German roots. Some common spelling variants of the surname Myles include Miles, Mylles, and Myllyes.

Similar surnames of the same origin include Mielzynski, Milewski, and Mlynarczyk, which are all derived from the Slavic root "mil" meaning "gracious." The names Miletic, Milicevic, and Milosovic are common in Serbian and Croatian regions while Milosevic, Milosavljevic, and Miletic are prominent in the former Yugoslavia.

The surname Myles could also be related to Molyneux, a locational surname of Norman origin, as well as the Spanish and Portuguese surname, Milanes, derived from Milan, and the Italian surname Milano, also from Milan. Additionally, some variant spellings and alternative surnames from the British Isles include Meilleur, Mylar, and Mullis. This just goes to show the diversity and adaptability of surnames, as they change over time and adapt to the languages and cultures where they are used.

Famous people with the name Myles

• Miles Davis: A renowned jazz trumpeter and composer from Alton, Illinois.
• John Myles: A clergyman and co-founder of the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts in the 1600s.
• Adrian Myles: An NHL ice hockey defenceman who has played for the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Colorado Avalanche.
• Tony Myles: An NFL defensive end who played for the Cincinnati Bengals between 2004 and 2007.
• Rickie Myles: A former NFL running back who played for the Houston Oilers, Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns in the 1980s.
• Kevin Myles: A Major League Baseball pitcher who pitched for the Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, Detroit Tigers, and Cleveland Indians between 2000 and 2003.
• Sterling Myles: A professional boxer from North Carolina who held the USBA and USBC World Middleweight titles in the early 2000s.
• David Myles: A singer-songwriter from New Brunswick, Canada who has released nine studio albums spanning folk, country, and hip-hop music.
• Dionne Myles: An actress from Toronto, Ontario, who has featured in over a dozen television and films, including Star Trek: Discovery and Shadowhunters.
• Ronyell Myles: A professional basketball player who played in both the NBA and ACB league, predominantly with Baloncesto Fuenlabrada.

Other surnames

MylekMyler