MILES
Miles
Origin and Meaning
Miles is a British surname of medieval English origin. It is derived from the Old French name "Mile" which means "soldier" or "mercenary". The name was brought to England by the Normans following the Norman Conquest of 1066.
History
The surname Miles has a long history in England, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to have been introduced by Norman settlers and became established among the English population over time. The name is often found in records of the Middle Ages, indicating that it was a common surname among both the nobility and commoners.
Distribution
The surname Miles is widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in various regions. It is particularly common in areas with historical Norman influence, such as the south of England. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, as a result of emigration.
Famous Bearers
- Sir George Miles (1824–1871) - British soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross.
- Vera Miles (1929-present) - American actress known for her roles in Alfred Hitchcock films.
- Nelson Miles (1839-1925) - American military leader who served in the Civil War and Indian Wars.
There are approximately 34,051 people named Miles in the UK. That makes it the 227th most common surname in Britain. Around 523 in a million people in Britain are named Miles.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.