Last Name Miley

The last name "Miley" is of English origin. It is a variant spelling of the name "Myley," which itself is a variant spelling of "Miley." "Miley" is derived from the Middle English personal name "Millicock," which was a medieval nickname for children with curly hair. The name "Millicock" can be traced back to the combination of the Old English elements "mill" meaning "mild" and "coc" meaning "cock" or "young male bird." Over time, the name "Millicock" evolved into "Miley" and different spelling variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Miley

The meaning and origin of the last name Miley

The surname Miley is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Maolmhuire," meaning "descendant of Maolmhuire." The first element "Ó" signifies "descendant" or "grandson," while "Maolmhuire" is a combination of the elements "maol," meaning "chief" or "bald," and "muire," meaning "Mary." Thus, the name Miley is believed to refer to a descendant of the chief or follower of Mary. The Miley surname can be traced back to County Kerry in southwestern Ireland, where the family is thought to have originated. Over time, descendants spread to various other regions of Ireland and, subsequently, to other parts of the world due to migration and displacement. Today, individuals with the surname Miley can be found across different countries, particularly the United States, where many Irish immigrants settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. While the name Miley has variations and alternative spellings, it continues to retain its Irish heritage and rich ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Miley

The last name Miley has a relatively widespread geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio. These areas are known to have a significant concentration of individuals with the last name Miley. Additionally, Miley is also prevalent in other parts of the world. In Ireland, the surname can be traced back to County Donegal, where the Miley family originated. There are also pockets of Miley descendants in other countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, compared to its prevalence in the United States, the last name Miley is relatively less common in these regions. The geographical distribution of the last name Miley indicates that it has spread across different countries over time, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname residing in the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Miley

The last name "Miley" has several variations and spellings that can be found across different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include "Mylee," "Mileigh," "Myly," and "Mylye." These different spellings could be the result of phonetic variation, regional dialects, or changes made during immigration and naturalization processes. For instance, "Mylee" might be a variation influenced by the pronunciation of the name, while "Mylye" could possibly be an older spelling reflecting archaic English spelling patterns. Moreover, regional and cultural differences may contribute to further variations. In some regions, the name might be spelled as "Mylie," "Maylie," or "Maily," reflecting phonetic tendencies or the adoption of local naming conventions. It is worth noting that surname variations can also occur over time due to errors or changes made during official documentation, resulting in alternative spellings for the same name.

Famous people with the last name Miley

There are not many famous people with the last name Miley, but one notable individual is Billy Ray Cyrus Miley. Born on August 25, 1961, Billy Ray Cyrus is an American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. He gained immense popularity with his hit song "Achy Breaky Heart" in 1992, which became one of the country's most successful singles. Cyrus has released numerous albums and is a multi-platinum selling artist with several chart-topping hits. In addition to his music career, he resurfaced in popular culture when he starred alongside his daughter, Miley Cyrus, in the hit Disney Channel TV series "Hannah Montana." This role further catapulted the fame and success of both father and daughter, making the Miley name even more recognized globally.

Genealogical research on the last name Miley

The surname Miley is of English origin and has a rich genealogical history. One possible origin of the name is from the Old English personal name "Milo," meaning "mild" or "favored." The name Miley likely started as a derivative of this personal name, denoting "son of Milo." In early records, the surname Miley can be found in various forms such as Mylye, Myley, and Milly. The Miley family can be traced back to medieval England, particularly in regions like Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Over time, members of the Miley family migrated to different parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, the Miley surname is found scattered across these countries, with concentrated populations in areas where the early settlers made their homes. Several notable individuals have borne the Miley surname over the years, contributing to various fields such as music, entertainment, and sports.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Miley"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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