Mila Name Meaning, Origin and Pronunciation

ByNamelyra Editorial Team

Mila is a Slavic-origin girl’s name meaning “gracious” or “dear,” built on the Slavic root “mil.”
Meaning gracious, dear
Origin Slavic
Pronunciation MEE-lah
Gender Girl
Related forms Ludmila, Milena (Mila also functions as a diminutive of both)

Origin and history

Mila comes from the Slavic root “mil,” meaning gracious or dear, which also appears in longer Eastern European names like Ludmila and Milena. Like Mia, it functions both as a complete standalone name and as a common short form of those longer names within Slavic-language families.

Is Mila a boy or girl name?

Mila is used almost exclusively as a girl’s name.

Names similar to Mila

  • Ludmila (a longer Slavic name Mila is commonly shortened from)
  • Milena (another longer Slavic name sharing the same root)
  • Mia (a similarly short, popular name with separate Italian/Latin roots)

Frequently asked questions

Is Mila the same as Mia?

No, despite the similar short sound, they come from separate roots, Mila from Slavic “mil” (dear), and Mia from Italian/Latin “mine.”

Is Mila a standalone name or always a nickname?

Both. It works as a complete given name on its own, and it’s also commonly used as a short form of Ludmila or Milena in Slavic-language families.

Related reading

Related culture page: Russian names.