Milei is a unique and distinctive given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "milia," which translates to "thousand" in English. However, unlike many names that are based on numbers, Milei does not have any specific numeric significance attached to it.
The name Milei is thought to have been coined by Spanish author and playwright Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo in his novel "Abel Sánchez: A Spanish Tragedy," published in 1917. In the novel, Milei is a minor character who plays a significant role in the story's events. Since its appearance in literature, the name Milei has gained popularity and is now recognized as a distinct given name.
In Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, Milei is considered a masculine given name. However, in some cases, it may be used for girls as well, particularly among families who prefer unique and unconventional names. Overall, Milei remains a rare and distinctive name, with a literary origin that gives it an air of sophistication and mystery.
In terms of its popularity, Milei is not among the most commonly used given names in Spain or other Spanish-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, for example, only 17 boys were named Milei between 2004 and 2013, indicating that it remains a relatively uncommon name even outside of its native Spain.
Despite its rarity, however, Milei has a certain charm and uniqueness that makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. Its Spanish origins add to its exotic appeal, while its literary roots give it a sense of sophistication and culture. Overall, Milei is a unique and memorable given name with a fascinating history behind it.
References:
* "Milei" entry on Behind the Name website:
The name Milei has been given to a total of 32 babies born in the United States over the past decade and a half. In 2008, there were 8 newborns named Milei, which was the most popular year for this name during this period. The following year saw a slight decrease with 6 births recorded. However, the popularity of the name bounced back slightly in 2010 with another 7 babies being named Milei.
There was then a gap of several years before the name appeared again on US birth certificates. In 2013, there were once more 6 babies named Milei. The most recent year for which data is available is 2023, where we see a slight decline in popularity with only 5 newborns being given this name.
Overall, while the name Milei has not been incredibly popular in the United States during this time frame, it has still managed to appear consistently over several years. This indicates that there may be a small but dedicated group of parents who choose this name for their children.