Miles

Miles m

English: of Norman origin but uncertain derivation. Unlike most Norman names, it is, as far as can be ascertained, not derived from any known Germanic name element. It may be a greatly altered pet form of MICHAEL (SEE Michael), which came to be associated with the Latin word miles soldier because of the military attributes of the archangel Michael. However, the usual Latin form of the name in the Middle Ages was Milo. There is a common Slavonic name element mil grace, favour, with which it may possibly have some ultimate connection. The name has been modestly popular in England ever since the Conquest. See also MYLES (SEE Myles).