"gracious, dear"
Origin: Slavic
Language: Slavic
Meila
Does Meila flow with your last name?
Beloved in every Baltic, Slavic, and Celtic tradition
American
Latvian
Slavic
Irish
Gentle
Elegant
Modern
Minimalist
Sweet
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Meaning & Origin
"the beloved, darling"
Origin: Latvian
Language: Latvian
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The Story of Meila
Meila draws from multiple traditions: in Latvian, Meilā (also spelled Meila) is a traditional name meaning 'the dearest' or 'darling,' from the Latvian word 'meils' (dear, beloved). It also connects to the Slavic Mila, meaning 'gracious' or 'dear.' Additionally, in Irish, Meilí is a variant form. This convergence of Baltic, Slavic, and Celtic roots gives Meila an unexpectedly rich heritage beneath its simple two-syllable exterior.
Meila emerged as parents sought alternatives to the wildly popular Mila, which entered the US Top 20 in the 2020s. The distinctive spelling gives it separation from Mila while maintaining its beloved sound — a common naming strategy for parents who love a popular name but want uniqueness.
In Latvia, Meilā is a traditional given name with deep cultural roots in the Baltic naming tradition. Latvia has a rich tradition of unique given names tied to nature and positive qualities, and Meilā exemplifies this heritage.
Historical Record
Meila first appeared in US Social Security records in 1998.
Over 596 babies have been named Meila in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Meila is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,444 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Latvian, 'meils' means 'dear' or 'beloved' — making Meila a direct expression of love in Baltic culture
- Mila (the most common form) was a Top 10 name in the US by the early 2020s, making Meila an appealing less-common alternative
Meila in Other Languages
Irish
Meilí
Slavic
Mila
Latvian
Meilā
Spanish
Meila
Lithuanian
Meila
Popularity Over Time
#4,444
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Meila
M
Mila Kunis
Actor
1983
Ukrainian-American actress known for That '70s Show, Black Swan, and Friends with Benefits — the most famous bearer of t...
Ukrainian-American actress known for That '70s Show, Black Swan, and Friends with Benefits — the most famous bearer of the related Mila name
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Compare Meila with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,444
- Total SSA Count
- 32
- Cultural Origins
- American Latvian Slavic Irish
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mei
May
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Meila
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Meila
What does the name Meila mean?
"gracious, dear" (from Slavic). "the beloved, darling" (from Latvian). Meila draws from multiple traditions: in Latvian, Meilā (also spelled Meila) is a traditional name meaning 'the dearest' or 'darling,' from the Latvian word 'meils' (dear, beloved). It also connects to the Slavic Mila, meaning 'gracious' or 'dear.' Additionally, in Irish, Meilí is a variant form. This convergence of Baltic, Slavic, and Celtic roots gives Meila an unexpectedly rich heritage beneath its simple two-syllable exterior.
What is the origin of the name Meila?
Meila has Slavic, Latvian, American, and Irish origins. In Slavic, it means "gracious, dear". In Latvian, it means "the beloved, darling".
Is Meila a boy or girl name?
Meila is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Meila?
Meila is currently ranked #4444 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Meila?
Common nicknames for Meila include Mei and May.
What are good middle names for Meila?
Popular middle name pairings include Meila Rose, Meila Grace, Meila Jane, Meila Claire, Meila Lily, Meila Ruth, and Meila Faith.
What are good sibling names for Meila?
Names that pair well with Meila as siblings include Mila, Isla, Aria, Noah, Liam, Felix, and Nora.
How many syllables does Meila have?
Meila has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Meila a common or rare name?
Meila is an uncommon name, ranked #4444 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Meila?
Are there other spellings for Meila?
Related spellings include Meilani.
About the Name Meila
Meila is a girl name with American, Latvian, Slavic, and Irish origins . The name means "gracious, dear" in Slavic .
Meila is currently ranked #4,444 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Meila has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Meila include Mei and May. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Meila include Meilani . 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