Skip to content

Name meaning & originMila Мила

/MEE-lah/

SlavicGirl
Make a name keepsake

Mila is a Slavic girl's name pronounced /MEE-lah/. The name means 'gracious', 'dear', or 'pleasant'.

Share this name

WhatsAppPinterest

Meaning of Mila

The name means 'gracious', 'dear', or 'pleasant'.

Mila originated as a diminutive for various Slavic names containing the element 'milu', such as Milena, Ludmila, or Milica. While it functioned primarily as a nickname for centuries, it evolved into a standalone name across Eastern and Central Europe. In recent years, it has gained international popularity as a stylish, cross-cultural choice.

Origin
Slavic
Pronunciation
/MEE-lah/

Cultural background

It is widely used across Europe, particularly in Russia, Ukraine, the Balkans, and the Netherlands, and has become a top-ranking name in North America and Australia.

Variations & nicknames

  • Milla
  • Milena
  • Ludmila
  • Milica
  • Milaana
  • Milka

Famous people named Mila

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Mila Kunis

    Ukrainian-born American actress famous for 'That '70s Show'

    Film · Modern

  • Milla Jovovich

    Actress and model known for the 'Resident Evil' franchise

    Film · Modern

  • Mila Mason

    American country music artist

    Music · Modern

  • Mila Mulroney

    Former First Lady of Canada

    Politics · Late 20th Century

  • Mila Gojsalić

    Croatian folk heroine who fought against the Ottoman Empire

    History · 16th Century

Frequently asked about Mila

Is Mila a nickname or a full name?
While it originated as a nickname for Slavic names like Milena, it is now widely recognized and used as a legal standalone first name.
What is the Spanish meaning of Mila?
In Spanish-speaking contexts, Mila is often used as a short form of Milagros, which means 'miracles'.
Is Mila a common name?
Yes, Mila has become highly popular in the 21st century, frequently appearing in top 20 baby name lists in the United States and several European countries.

Love Mila? Get more names like it

We'll email you 5 fresh Slavic names each week — free, no spam.

By signing up you agree to get these name emails. We use your email only for them; unsubscribe any time from privacy requests. See our privacy policy. 18+ only.

Compare Mila with…

Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.

More Slavic names

See all Slavic names
Find more names like Mila