Niles

Meaning: Uncertain; possibly champion or cloud
Origin: English surname — Possibly son of Niel, a medieval form of Neil

Boy's name · #2506 in the US (2025) · Vintage

Popularity over time

Niles belongs to an older America first — it reached #897 back in 1942 — yet it still appears in today's records at #2506. About 4,500 boys have carried it since 1897.

Across the states

See where Niles is more common.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 2 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Niles ranks in other countries and regions.

#2,260 in Canada (2021) · #3,959 in England & Wales (2018) · #4,027 in Ecuador (1989).

Famous Nileses

Niles Fitch — American actor (born 2001)
Niles Eldredge — American paleontologist (born 1943)
Niles Paul — American football player (born 1989)
Niles Welch — American actor (1888–1976)
Niles Scott — American football player (born 1995)

As a surname

It is also an American family name — about 10,000 people carried it as a surname in the 2010 census.

Nathaniel Niles — American figure skater and tennis player (1886–1932)
John Milton Niles — American politician (1787–1856)
John Jacob Niles — American musician (1892–1980)

In stories & tradition

Niles Crane — Fictional character on the American television sitcom Frasier
Niles — Fire Emblem Fates (video game)
Niles Abara — The Outer Worlds 2 (video game)

What Nileses become

Among 28 notable people named Niles:

No single standout — notable Nileses spread across many fields.

Similar names: Eldon · Neal · Truman · Stiles · Reeves · Willis

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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