Girl · 511th of 35,406
Miley
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
14,872
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2008
Peak Popularity Year
2,652
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Miley stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Miley is a modern English name that evolved as a diminutive of 'Smiley,' meaning happy. Its rise in popularity is closely tied to pop culture phenomena in the early 21st century. The name is associated with positivity and youthfulness, with no significant biblical roots.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmaɪli/
Origin
Modern English
Etymology
Miley is often considered a modern diminutive of the name 'Smiley,' which was used as a nickname. Its popularity surged in the early 21st century, partly due to the influence of pop culture.
Meaning
happy
Language Evolution
Smiley, Miley
Historical Usage
The name Miley gained significant popularity in the early 2000s, particularly after the rise of the Disney Channel series 'Hannah Montana,' which starred Miley Cyrus.
Variants & Derivatives
Mylie, Miley-Cyrus
Modern Popularity & Image
Miley is perceived as a trendy and youthful name, often associated with fun and creativity, largely due to its association with Miley Cyrus.
Famous People
Miley Cyrus, Miley Stewart (fictional character)
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,652 peak births in 2008
Geographic Spread
Popular across 49 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 17 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4708th of 7545 | 39 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5121st of 6773 | 22 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6246th of 7552 | 14 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5806th of 9107 | 33 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8072nd of 9204 | 10 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 9994th of 12526 | 15 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 18004th of 19264 | 6 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 15632nd of 27321 | 36 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 511th of 35406 | 9,310 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 660th of 30306 | 5,377 |