The nameGilles
Gilles is the French form of Giles, the name of a hermit saint very popular in the Middle Ages. It was very common in France in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Boy's name
- Greek
- Feast day
Meaning
Gilles comes from the Latin Aegidius, often linked to the Greek aigis, "goatskin".
Origin
Greek, through Latin. Saint Giles, a hermit, gave his name to Saint-Gilles in the south of France, a stop on the road to Santiago, and to St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.
History
Gilles peaked in France in the late 1950s. In Belgium, the Gilles are the famous costumed dancers of the Binche carnival.
Did you know?
- The Formula One circuit in Montreal is named after the Canadian driver Gilles Villeneuve.
Famous people named Gilles
- Gilles Deleuze, philosopher
- Gilles Villeneuve, racing driver
- Gilles Simon, tennis player
Popularity of the name Gilles
Gilles in France
Gilles was most popular in France in the 1960s, with 61,930 births over the decade, 35% of all recorded babies named Gilles. Its rise began around 1943, and it peaked in 1959. Half of all babies named Gilles in France were born before 1960, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name.
Gilles in Belgium
Gilles was most popular in Belgium in the 2000s, with 1,753 births over the decade, 43% of all recorded babies named Gilles. Half of all babies named Gilles in Belgium were born before 2002. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 18 births a year on average, against 47 in the five years before.
Gilles in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gilles mean?
Gilles comes from the Latin Aegidius, often linked to the Greek aigis, "goatskin".
What is the origin of the name Gilles?
Greek, through Latin. Saint Giles, a hermit, gave his name to Saint-Gilles in the south of France, a stop on the road to Santiago, and to St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Is Gilles a girl's or a boy's name?
Gilles is a boy's name.
Who are famous people named Gilles?
Gilles Deleuze, philosopher; Gilles Villeneuve, racing driver; Gilles Simon, tennis player.