Giles Name Meaning & Origin
Giles
Origin of the name Giles:
From the Old French Gilles, a derivative of the Latin Aegidius, which is from the Greek aigis ( a goatskin shield of Zeus, a protection). The name was borne by the semilegendary St. Giles, a 7th-century Athenian who had the power to work miracles and heal the crippled. He fled to southern Gaul and became a hermit to escape fame and the adoration of his fans. Nevertheless, he was popular throughout Europe, and his name was favored in the Middle Ages.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
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US Popularity of Giles Over Time

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- Personal experiences with the name Giles
Our first son is called Giles with Corey as his middle name after Giles Corey who was accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch hunts. He was tortured to confess by placing large stones on his chest. But he only said "more weight" until he died. A very strong name.
- Nicknames for Giles
Gil/Gilley
Gilesy
Gip
Gibb/Gibbet- Meanings and history of the name Giles
- Famous real-life people named Giles
Gyles Brandreth, Giles Coren
Gilles Bensimon, photographer and creative director of Elle magazine
Giles Snyder, NPR newscaster- Giles in song, story & screen
Giles Wemmbley-Hogg, delightful, lovable fop character created by British comedian Marcus Brigstocke
Rupert Giles--Buffy the Vampire Slayer's "watcher" and school librarian, usually referred to by his last name.