"gracious, dear, beloved"
Origin: Slavic mil meaning grace
Language: Slavic
Mila
Pronunciation: [ m-EYEL-uh ]
Does Mila flow with your last name?
A tender Slavic 'dear one' that charmed the world
Slavic
Russian
Czech
Spanish
Italian
Elegant
Modern
Gentle
Sophisticated
Minimalist
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"hardworking, industrious"
Origin: Old Slavic
Language: Old Slavic
"gracious, dear, beloved"
Origin: Slavic
Language: Slavic
"miracles (via Milagros)"
Origin: Spanish
Language: Spanish
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Mila
Mila is a Slavic name derived from the element 'mil' meaning 'gracious,' 'dear,' or 'love.' It is used as a standalone name across Slavic countries and also as a short form of longer names like Milena, Milica, Ludmila, and Camila. The name carries warmth and endearment in its root meaning — it's essentially a name that means 'my dear' or 'beloved,' used in everyday Slavic speech as a term of affection.
Mila soared in the United States in the early 2010s, entering the top 10 by 2014 and reaching the top 5 by 2020. Actress Mila Kunis is largely credited with bringing the name to mainstream American consciousness after her years of fame on That 70s Show and in films like Black Swan.
In Slavic cultures, Mila is a deeply affectionate name — the word 'mil' is used in everyday speech to mean 'dear' or 'darling.' Names built on this root have been popular across Eastern Europe for centuries. Mila also functions as a modern Spanish and Italian name, where it often serves as a diminutive of Milagros (miracles).
Historical Record
Mila first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 79,012 babies have been named Mila in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mila is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #33 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mila jumped from outside the top 250 to the US top 10 in less than a decade — one of the fastest rises in recent naming history
- The Slavic root 'mil' appears in names across many European languages, from Ludmila to Camille
Mila in Other Languages
Czech
Mila
Italian
Mila
Russian
Mila
Serbian
Mila
Spanish
Mila
Popularity Over Time
#33
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mila
M
Mila J
Musician
1985
American R&B singer-songwriter known for her debut album M.I.L.A
M
Mila Kunis
Actor
1983
Ukrainian-American actress known for That 70s Show, Black Swan, and Friends with Benefits
M
Milla Jovovich
Actor
1975
Ukrainian-American actress and model known for the Resident Evil franchise
M
Mila Mulroney
Other
1953
Romanian-Canadian philanthropist and wife of Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
M
Mila (Sailor Moon) Fictional
Other
Minor character appearing in the Sailor Moon anime franchise
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"stone of the flank"
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Compare Mila with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #33
- Total SSA Count
- 5,472
- Cultural Origins
- Slavic Russian Czech Spanish Italian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Mili
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, modern style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mila
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Mila is also used as a boy name, ranked #7814.
View Mila as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Mila →Compare Mila with...
Same Origin Names (Slavic)
See all Slavic names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Mila
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Latin origin
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Jade
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Spanish origin
"stone of the flank"
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Savannah
Girl
Taino origin
"open, treeless grassland"
#107 in US
Ana
Girl
Hebrew origin
"grace, favor"
#204 in US
Aria
Girl
Hebrew origin
"lion of God"
#26 in US
Ariella
Girl
Hebrew origin
"lion of God"
#196 in US
Gianna
Girl
Hebrew via Italian origin
"God is gracious"
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Lucia
Girl
Latin Lucius origin
"born at dawn"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mila
What does the name Mila mean?
"gracious, dear, beloved" (from Slavic mil meaning grace). "hardworking, industrious" (from Old Slavic). "gracious, dear, beloved" (from Slavic). "miracles (via Milagros)" (from Spanish). Mila is a Slavic name derived from the element 'mil' meaning 'gracious,' 'dear,' or 'love.' It is used as a standalone name across Slavic countries and also as a short form of longer names like Milena, Milica, Ludmila, and Camila. The name carries warmth and endearment in its root meaning — it's essentially a name that means 'my dear' or 'beloved,' used in everyday Slavic speech as a term of affection.
What is the origin of the name Mila?
Mila has Slavic mil meaning grace, Old Slavic, Slavic, Spanish, Russian, Czech, and Italian origins. In Slavic mil meaning grace, it means "gracious, dear, beloved". In Old Slavic, it means "hardworking, industrious". In Slavic, it means "gracious, dear, beloved". In Spanish, it means "miracles (via Milagros)".
Is Mila a boy or girl name?
Mila is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #33. As a boy name, it is ranked #7814. Mila is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mila?
Mila is pronounced m-EYEL-uh.
How popular is the name Mila?
Mila is currently ranked #33 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mila?
Common nicknames for Mila include Mili.
What are good middle names for Mila?
Popular middle name pairings include Mila Grace, Mila Rose, Mila Jane, Mila Kate, Mila Claire, and Mila Anne.
What are good sibling names for Mila?
Names that pair well with Mila as siblings include Sasha, Natasha, Luka, Sofia, Ivan, and Vera.
How many syllables does Mila have?
Mila has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mila a common or rare name?
Mila is a very popular name, ranked #33 among girl names in the United States.
What girl names are similar to Mila?
About the Name Mila
Mila is a girl name with Slavic, Russian, Czech, Spanish, and Italian origins . The name means "gracious, dear, beloved" in Slavic mil meaning grace .
Is Mila a boy or girl name? Mila is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #33 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #7,814. Mila is more commonly used as a girl name.
Mila is currently ranked #33 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mila has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-EYEL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mila include Mili. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Mila include Millie, Milani, Miley, Milan, Miller . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis