Giles

Giles is a personal name used as both a given name and a surname in English-speaking countries. It derives from the Latin name Aegidius, via the Old French form Gilles, and is associated with Saint Giles, a 7th-century saint venerated across much of Europe.

In its use as a given name, Giles has appeared in literature and public life. A well-known contemporary bearer is Giles Brandreth, a British writer and broadcaster.

As a surname, Giles is common in parts of the Anglophone world. In fiction, Rupert Giles is a prominent character in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where he serves as a caretaker and mentor to the main characters. The surname is likewise used for various other fictional characters.

Geography and places: Giles is used in place names, including Giles County in several U.S. states, reflecting the surname's historical presence in the region.

See also Gilles, the French form of the name, and other related names. Giles remains in occasional use today, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States, as both a given name and a surname, though it is less common than in earlier centuries.