The name Milo has its origins in the ancient Germanic languages. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "mild," meaning "gentle" or "merciful." The name was initially used as a nickname or byname before becoming a given name in its own right.

In ancient Greek mythology, Milo was the name of a legendary athlete from the city of Croton in southern Italy. He was renowned for his exceptional strength and was said to have carried a bull on his shoulders for several miles. The name may have been adopted by the Greeks as a reflection of his mild and gentle nature, despite his immense physical prowess.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Milo can be found in the writings of the ancient Roman historian Livy. He mentions a Roman consul named Milo who lived in the 2nd century BC. This suggests that the name had spread from its Germanic origins to the Roman world at an early stage.

During the Middle Ages, the name Milo was relatively uncommon but can be found in various historical records and documents. One notable figure was Milo of Nanteuil, a French nobleman who lived in the 11th century and played a significant role in the First Crusade.

In more recent times, several famous individuals have borne the name Milo. Milo Ândjelković (1891-1964) was a Serbian painter and one of the pioneers of modern art in the Balkans. Milo Manara (born 1945) is an Italian comic book writer and artist known for his erotic and surreal works.

Another notable bearer of the name was Milo Yiannopoulos (born 1984), a controversial British political commentator and polemicist. Milo Ventimiglia (born 1977) is an American actor best known for his roles in the television series "Gilmore Girls" and "This Is Us."

Finally, Milo Aukerman (born 1963) is an American musician and singer, best recognized as the lead vocalist of the punk rock band The Descedents.