Gilles

Gilles is a male given name common in French-speaking cultures. It is the French form of the given name Giles, ultimately derived from the Latin Aegidius, and is associated with Saint Giles, a widely venerated third‑century saint in Western Europe. In modern usage, Gilles is primarily used in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, where it is one of the standard forms of the name. It can also appear as a surname.

Prominent people named Gilles include the philosopher Gilles Deleuze (1925–1995), the racing driver Gilles Villeneuve (1950–1982), the tennis player Gilles Simon (born 1984), the actor Gilles Lellouche (born 1972), and the politician Gilles Duceppe (born 1947).

In Belgium, the name is culturally notable beyond individuals: “Gilles” refers to the participants in the Aalst Carnaval, a famous Flemish festival, where masked men wear elaborate outfits and perform as part of the tradition. The name’s usage extends to (and among) many Francophone communities, and it has English-language counterparts such as Giles.

See also: Giles, the English variant of the name. The spelling Gilles is distinctively French, though a number of people with this given name achieve international recognition in various fields.