Gilles are most commonly known as the traditional carnival characters from the Belgian town of Binche, but the word “Gilles” can also refer to a given name, mainly in French‑speaking countries.

Main meanings of “Gilles”

1. The name “Gilles”

  • Origin: French masculine given name, derived from the medieval Latin “Aegidius,” itself linked to Greek roots.
  • Possible meanings:
    • “Shield” or “protection,” connected to the Greek “aegis,” the protective shield of Zeus and Athena.
* “Kid” or “young goat,” from Greek terms for goat, which is why some sources gloss it as “kid or small goat.”
  • Sense/imagery: Often associated with a protector , “shield‑bearer,” or “defender,” giving it a strong, protective feel as a first name.
  • Use today: Still used mainly in France, Belgium, and other French‑speaking regions; linked historically to Saint Giles (Saint Gilles), a popular medieval hermit and patron saint.

Example: Someone named Gilles in France or Belgium is roughly comparable to someone named “Giles” in English‑speaking countries, with similar historical and saintly roots.

2. Cultural/character uses (brief note)

  • The name “Gilles” appears in literature, films, and history, often chosen for characters who embody loyalty, bravery, or a somewhat classical French identity.

(Your question “what are the gilles” is quite short, so if you meant the carnival figures in Binche, or something specific like “gilles in a show / forum / meme,” tell me the context and I can narrow it down.) Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.