Smila

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Fact sheet

Name
Smila
Gender
Girl name
Syllables
2

Smila is a female first name that is considered a variant of Smilla. This name is a short form of the Greenlandic name Smillaaraq, coined by the Danish writer Peter Høeg. The meaning of the name can be translated as 'the smiling one' and 'the humming one.'

What does the name Smila mean?

The name Smila, a variant of Smilla, has its roots in the Greenlandic name Smillaaraq, which became known through the Danish author Peter Høeg. Its meaning encompasses the terms 'the smiling one' and 'the humming one.' This is derived from the Danish word smile, meaning 'to smile,' as well as mild, meaning 'mild,' and the Greenlandic millalaarpoq, which describes 'the humming of an insect.' The original Greenlandic form is Miillaaraq. The name became particularly well-known through the novel 'Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow.'

Where does the name Smila come from?

Smila is a female first name that has both Greenlandic and Danish roots and carries the meaning 'the smiling one' or 'the humming one.' The etymology combines the Greenlandic term millalaarpoq, meaning 'humming of an insect,' and the Danish words smile for 'to smile' and mild for 'mild.' Languages: German.

How do you pronounce Smila?

The sound and pronunciation of Smila: The name Smila consists of two syllables and has a distinctive beginning. It is pronounced as 'Smi-la' [ˈsmiːla] and starts with the unique consonant combination 'Sm,' which gives the name a characteristic, slightly edgy start. The long 'i' provides a bright sound, while the open ending '-la' offers a gentle conclusion, softening the hardness of the beginning. Overall, Smila conveys a modern, independent, and clear impression - striking at the beginning, gentle at the end.

Popularity

In Germany, Smila is a fairly common first name. Currently, it ranks 4,045th on the list of the most popular female baby names. Its best ranking was achieved in 2012, reaching 1,945th place. In the last ten years, Smila has been given as a first name around 50 times, placing it 3,573rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 3,147th.

Nicknames & pet names

Mila / Mill / Milla / Milli / Millie / Milly / Smi / Smi smo / Smile / Smiley / Smili / Smill / Smismi

Frequently asked questions about the name Smila

What is the origin of the name Smila?

Smila has both Greenlandic and Danish roots. The name is a variant of Smilla and can be traced back to the Greenlandic name Smillaaraq.

What does the name Smila mean?

The name Smila means 'the smiling one' or 'the humming one.' This meaning is derived from the Danish word 'smile' for 'to smile' and the Greenlandic 'millalaarpoq,' which describes 'the humming of an insect.'

How popular is the name Smila?

The popularity of the name Smila varies, but it is particularly gaining popularity in Scandinavian countries and the German-speaking area, especially due to literary influences.

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