Miley

Miley is a feminine given name of English origin, most famously borne by American singer and actress Miley Cyrus (born 1992). In her case, the name is a shortened form of the nickname Smiley, which her father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, gave her because she often smiled as a baby. Born Destiny Hope Cyrus, she later legally changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus, adopting the nickname as her given name. Although the name was virtually nonexistent in popular use before Miley Cyrus rose to fame as the star of the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, there are a few recorded instances of its use prior to the 1990s, most likely as a diminutive of Miles.

Miley Cyrus (born November 23, 1992) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her evolving artistry and image reinventions. She emerged as a teen idol playing Miley Stewart on Hannah Montana (2006–2011), which spawned two number-one soundtracks on the Billboard 200. Her solo career began with the pop rock albums Meet Miley Cyrus (2007) and Breakout (2008), and she achieved massive success with the single "Party in the U.S.A." (2009), which was certified 16-times platinum. Subsequent albums such as Can't Be Tamed (2010) and Bangerz (2013) marked a shift to more mature themes and sounds.

Since Miley Cyrus brought the name to public attention, Miley has seen occasional use as a given name for girls, especially in the United States, though it has never become widely common. The name carries connotations of brightness and positivity due to its origin in the word "smiley."

Notable Bearers

• Miley Cyrus (born 1992), American singer, songwriter, and actress

Key Facts

• Meaning: Derived from nickname Smiley; also possibly a diminutive of Miles
• Origin: English
• Type: First name, feminine
• Usage Regions: English-speaking countries, notably the United States