Giles
Gender: Male
Origin: English
Meaning: Pledge Or Young Goat
What is the meaning of the name Giles?
The name Giles is primarily a male name of English origin that means Pledge Or Young Goat.
The name Giles is of Greek origin, derived from the Greek name Αιγίδιος (Aigidios), which is based on the word αιγίς (aigis), meaning “goat’s skin” or more broadly, “shield.” The name became associated with protection or shield-bearing in a figurative sense. Αιγίδιος was the name of a 7th-century hermit saint from Athens, Saint Giles, who became extremely popular in the Middle Ages, especially in France and England. The cult of Saint Giles often depicted him as a protector and as someone who provides assistance and defense to the needy and the vulnerable, which aligns with the protective connotation of his name.
Therefore, the name Giles can be associated with protection or being a protector, stemming from its ancient Greek roots and the historical and religious significance carried through Saint Giles.
Different Spellings of the name Giles:
The name Giles, with its origins and popularity in various cultures, particularly in English and French-speaking countries, has several alternative spellings and variations. These different spellings attempt to capture the name’s essence while adapting to the phonetic and orthographic rules of other languages. Here are some variations of the name Giles:
1. Gyles
2. Jiles
3. Gil
4. Gilles (French version)
5. Gills
6. Jyles
Each variation reflects the linguistic and cultural diversity found in the way names are adapted and adopted across regions, often influenced by local language sounds, spelling conventions, and historical figures bearing the name.