A Fun, Fact-Filled Look at the Meaning and Origin of the
Miller Surname
Miller Name Meaning
The Miller surname is predominantly English and Scottish. It derives from the Middle English word “mille,” meaning “mill.” This name was typically given to individuals who worked at grain mills. Tracing its etymology further, the name is connected to the Old English “mylen” and the Late Latin “molina,” both of which also mean “mill.”
Millers played a pivotal role in their communities. They not only specialized in grinding grain into flour but also possessed a deep understanding of the machinery and the different types of grains. Their expertise was invaluable since high-quality flour was essential for producing good bread, a primary food source in many diets.
Mills, often located near vital resources like rivers, became hubs of local commerce. As a result, millers were not just skilled craftsmen but also astute traders and entrepreneurs.
During the medieval period in Europe, the aristocracy often owned the mills. Millers rented these facilities, compensating the nobility with either a share of their earnings or a set amount. This setup allowed millers to serve as a connection between the common workers and the upper class.
In the United States, Miller is a popular name in the Amish community. Many families trace their roots back to “Müller” in Switzerland! 🇨🇭🌾
Miller Last Name Variations
Virtually all surnames have developed phonetic and spelling variations over many centuries in many countries. A person’s last name was often spelled however it sounded to the person recording it.
When you’re researching your branch of the Miller family tree, you may find that your ancestors used one or more of these variations of the Miller surname: Müller, Mueller, Möller, Milla, Millet, Moeller, Møller, Meller, Mille, Milli, Millett, Melle, Millis, Melles, Myler, Milles, Mellet, Mittler, Myller, and Meiler.
While Miller is the anglicized version of the surname, variations of the surname can be found in many European languages. Here are some common variations associated with specific countries:
- Germany: Müller
- France: Meunier
- Spain: Molinero
- Italy: Molinari
- Portugal: Moleiro
- Netherlands: Molenaar
- Poland: Młynarz
- Czech Republic: Mlynář
- Hungary: Molnár
- Sweden: Möllare
- Norway: Møller
- Denmark: Møller
- Russia: Мельник (Melnik)
Each of these names, while phonetically different, has the same occupational meaning.
Miller Last Name in England
The Domesday Book, often referred to as the “Great Survey,” was a comprehensive record initiated by William the Conqueror in December 1085. Its purpose was to document landholdings across England for taxation purposes. Finalized in 1086, this extensive document detailed lands, properties, and various resources.
Within the pages of the Domesday Book, there are mentions of individuals who worked as millers. As the 13th century rolled in and surnames became more prevalent, historical records began to feature individuals bearing the surname Miller.
The earliest documented instance of the Miller surname is associated with Reginald Miller, found in the Subsidy Tax Rolls of Sussex in 1327. Subsequent records highlight individuals with the Miller surname in regions like London, Hertfordshire, and Dorset. As years passed, the surname Miller became prominent in the northern parts of England, notably in Lancashire.
Henry Miller kickstarted a Miller family fishing dynasty way back in 1675 near Lulworth Cove in Dorset, southern England. Fast forward to today, and the Cove Fish shop is still in the family, currently managed by the 10th generation of Millers in Lulworth Cove! 🐟🎣🇬🇧
Miller Last Name in Scotland
The Miller surname holds a significant place in Scottish history, ranking as the 20th most popular surname in the country. Its origins in Scotland are twofold. Firstly, it’s tied to the milling profession, where individuals were known for their expertise in grinding grain. Secondly, it has connections to a specific locale in Glasgow, suggesting that some individuals bearing this name might have lived near or been employed at a mill.
The journey of the name in Scotland can be traced back to the term “molindinar,” which describes a burn or small stream in Glasgow. Over time, linguistic adaptations led the name to evolve from “molindar” to “molinar,” then “Millar,” and ultimately “Miller.” It’s worth noting that the “..ar” suffix in “Millar” is a more traditional Scottish rendition.
Historical records indicate that the Miller surname first appeared in Dumfriesshire, a southern region of Scotland adjacent to England. A notable landmark tied to the Miller name is Dalswinton Castle, situated in the village of Dalswinton in Dumfries and Galloway. This ancestral home of the Miller family was acquired in 1785 by a prominent Edinburgh banker, Patrick Miller (1731-1815).
While the Millers don’t have a designated tartan, there’s a belief that they share some connections with the MacFarlanes, a notable clan from the Scottish Highlands.
“Wee Willie Winkie” is a Scottish nursery rhyme written by William Miller (1810-1872), a poet from Glasgow, Scotland. He penned this famous children’s rhyme in 1841, and it was published in 1842 under the title “Willie Winkie.” The rhyme has since become a beloved classic in children’s literature, known for its catchy rhythm and whimsical imagery.
Miller Last Name in Ireland
The origin of the Miller name in Ireland is multifaceted. One derivative traces back to the Old Gaelic term “meillear,” a nickname given to individuals with pronounced lips. Other potential Gaelic origins include “malair,” signifying a “merchant,” and “maillor,” which denotes a “soldier” or “armed man.” However, the primary source of the Miller surname in Ireland is attributed to English and Scottish settlers who arrived in the 17th century, particularly in County Antrim. As these settlers established themselves, the name Miller began to merge with native Irish names.
As early as 1630, Scottish Millers were noted in Londonderry, with records mentioning Robert Miller as an armed defender of the city. The Miller family’s prominence was further highlighted during the siege of Londonderry in 1689. In subsequent years, members of the Miller lineage held the position of Mayor of Londonderry multiple times and established their residence at Braehead House, located just outside the city.
Did you know that millers are often portrayed as crafty and clever characters in literature and folklore? A classic example is Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Miller’s Tale” from “The Canterbury Tales,” where the miller’s wit takes center stage!
Miller Last Name in America
With ancestral ties spanning England, Scotland, Ireland, and beyond, tracing the roots of the Miller surname in America can be a winding journey.
The first person with the last name Miller in America is believed to be James Miller, an 18-year-old who set sail from London to Virginia aboard the “Plaine Joan” in 1635.
Many early American Millers were Mennonite Muellers from Switzerland. By 1710, Jacob Mueller had settled in Lancaster County. The 1740s saw more arrivals, including Amish Muellers and those from Alsace, a region in northeastern France bordering Germany and Switzerland.
During the Revolutionary War, many variations of the name were anglicized to “Miller.” After the war, many Millers moved west, particularly to Ohio.
In Pennsylvania, the Miller name has Scots Irish roots. Henry Miller from Londonderry settled in Lancaster County by 1745. By 1772, Oliver Miller from County Antrim had moved to western Pennsylvania. His family lived in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, until 1927 when their home, built in 1808, became a museum.
The Miller surname is also prevalent in the American Jewish community. It’s the third most common Jewish surname in the U.S., after Cohen and Levy. Many Jewish Millers have origins in places like Slovakia, Lithuania, and Ukraine.
Did you know the Miller moth got its name because its wings mimic the floury dust seen in old-time milling?
Miller Surname Geography
The Miller surname currently ranks as the 299th most common last name in the world and can be found in more than 200 countries. It’s estimated that over 1.8 million people bear the last name Miller.
There are about 1.36 million people with the last name Miller in the United States, making it the 6th most common surname in the country. The distribution shows the most Millers in California (8%), Texas (7%), and Ohio (6%).
Outside the United States, the Miller surname is also popular in countries like England, Canada, and Germany. In England, there are approximately 79,000 people with the Miller surname, making it the 61st most common surname. In Canada and Germany, Miller ranks 18th and 140th respectively in terms of surname prevalence.
Miller Last Name Origin Quiz
Miller Baronetcies
A baronet is someone who has received a baronetcy, a hereditary title, from the British Crown. They rank below barons but above knights, with the exception of the Knights of the Garter in England and The Order of the Thistle in Scotland. Baronets are addressed as “Sir (forename),” and their wives are addressed as “Lady (surname).”
Six baronetcies have been established for individuals bearing the last name Miller:
Miller Baronetcy of Oxenhoath in the County of Kent: Established on October 13, 1660, for Humphrey Miller (1633-1709), who later served as the High Sheriff of Kent in 1666.
Humphrey married Mary Borlase, the daughter of Sir John Borlase, 1st Baronet of Bockmer, Medmenham, Buckinghamshire, in 1663/64. Following his death in 1709, the title was passed on to Sir Borlase Miller, the 2nd Baronet. However, the lineage was short-lived; by 1714, with the death of Sir Borlase, the baronetcy came to an end.
Miller Baronetcy of Chichester, County of Sussex: Established on October 29, 1705, for Thomas Miller (c. 1635–1705).
Born on North Street in Chichester, Sussex, Sir Thomas Miller was a notable figure in English politics. He served as the town’s mayor on two occasions and served as a representative for Chichester in the Parliament of England during 1689 and 1690. He descended from Mark Miller, an esteemed clothier who also held positions as an Alderman and Mayor of Chichester.
The baronetcy is currently held by Sir Anthony Thomas Miller, 13th Baronet (b. 1955).
Riggs-Miller Baronetcy of Ballicasey, County Clare: Established on August 24, 1778, for John Riggs-Miller (c. 1744-1798).
Originating from County Clare, Ireland, he was initially named John Miller. However, following his marriage to Anna Riggs (1741-1781) in August 1765, he incorporated her surname, becoming John Riggs-Miller.
John was a distinguished Anglo-Irish politician. He was renowned for his fervent support of transitioning from the traditional system of weights and measures to one grounded in scientific principles.
Miller Baronetcy, of Glenlee in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright: Established on March 3, 1788, for Thomas Miller (1717-1789).
Thomas was a significant figure in Scottish law and politics. He was a founder member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783 and served as its first vice-president from 1783 to 1786. His career milestones include being admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1742, serving as the Solicitor General for Scotland in 1759, and becoming the Lord Advocate in 1760. He was also a Member of Parliament for Dumfries Burghs from 1761 to 1766.
In 1766, Thomas was appointed Lord Justice Clerk, taking the judicial title Lord Barskimming. By 1788, he became the Lord President of the Court of Session and was bestowed the title of Lord Glenlee, Baronet of Glenlee.
Miller Baronetcy of Manderston, Berwickshire: Established on March 24, 1874, for William Miller (1809-1887).
Cleeve123 at English Wikipedia
Born in Wick, Scotland, William initially joined his family’s herring and hemp trading business in Russia. His career then took a diplomatic turn, leading him to serve as the British Vice-Consul in Saint Petersburg from 1842 to 1854. Subsequently, he transitioned into politics, representing Leith Burghs in Parliament from 1859 to 1868 and later Berwickshire in 1873/74.
Manderston House was once the family seat of the Miller family.
Norie-Miller Baronetcy of Cleeve, County of Perth: Established on February 7, 1936, for Francis Norie-Miller (1859-1947).
Francis Norie-Miller, born in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, was the son of Henry Miller, the Chief Statistical Officer for HM Customs, and his wife Anne Norrie. Starting his insurance career in London, Francis relocated to Glasgow in 1885. By 1887, he had risen to the position of Secretary for the burgeoning General Accident and Employers’ Liability Assurance Association in Perth.
Under his leadership, the company transformed from a modest local enterprise into one of the United Kingdom’s leading insurers. He introduced pioneering insurance products, such as motor-insurance in the 1890s, coupon-insurance, no-claims discounts, and even offered a year of free motor insurance with every new Morris car in the 1920s. By the First World War, General Accident had a global presence. It eventually merged into what is known today as Aviva in 2002.
Apart from his achievements in the insurance sector, Norie-Miller was also an active civic contributor. He was made a Freeman of Perth in 1933 and briefly served as the town’s Member of Parliament in 1935. His civic engagements included roles as a magistrate, Director of Perth Royal Infirmary, member of the Perth school board and county education authority, and rotarian. For his efforts in assisting refugees during the First World War, King Albert of Belgium awarded him a medal.
After his passing in 1947, the baronetcy was inherited by his son, Stanley Norie-Miller, but became extinct in 1973.
Millers That Shaped History
James Miller: Surgical Pioneer
James Miller (1812–1864) was a distinguished 19th century surgeon and academic. Born in Eassie, Forfarshire, Scotland near Glamis Castle, he embarked on his educational journey at the University of St Andrews at the tender age of 12.
One of his most notable contributions to the medical field was his textbook, “Principles and Practice of Surgery.” This influential work not only saw multiple editions but also gained recognition with an American release. Beyond his academic achievements, Miller held the prestigious position of Surgeon in Scotland to Queen Victoria.
In his later years, while he remained deeply involved in the medical community, he also dedicated time to championing the values of the Free Church of Scotland.
Frederick Edward John Miller: Founder of Miller Brewing Company
Frederick Edward John Miller (1824-1888) was born as Friedrich Eduard Johannes Müller in Germany. He came from a distinguished lineage of German politicians, scholars, and entrepreneurs, and devoted seven years to studying in France. During this time, he also apprenticed in the brewing business under his uncle’s guidance.
In 1854, the Miller family, driven by the pursuit of new opportunities, emigrated to the United States. Upon setting foot in Milwaukee, Frederick made a decisive investment, purchasing the Plank-Road Brewery for $8,000 (approximately US$313,000 in 2023). His exceptional beer quickly won the admiration of Milwaukee’s German community.
Frederick’s journey was not without obstacles, including a decline in sales during the Civil War. Tragedy also marked his personal life, with the loss of several children and his first wife, Josephine. Despite these hardships, he remained unbroken, once affirming in a letter that he “never lost his head.”
Did you know that in 2016, Molson Coors snapped up the Miller Brewing Company for a cool US$12 billion? Their treasure trove of brands includes favorites like Miller High Life, Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller 64, the delectable Frederick Miller Classic Chocolate Lager, and the non-alcoholic Miller Sharp’s!
Agatha Christie: The Best-Selling Fiction Writer of All Time
Agatha Christie (1890-1976) was a renowned British writer known for her detective novels. Born as Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller in Torquay, Devon, she went on to become one of the world’s best-selling authors. The Guinness World Records lists her as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies. Her most noted works include Murder on the Orient Express, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, And Then There Were None, and the adventures of her famous characters, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
Agatha’s unique storytelling and intricate plotting have earned her the title “the Queen of Mystery.” Her books have been translated into numerous languages, and her plays have been performed worldwide. Her legacy endures, with adaptations of her works continuing to captivate audiences on stage, television, and film. Agatha Christie’s influence on the mystery genre is unparalleled, and she remains an iconic figure in literary history.
Glenn Miller: One of the Greatest Bandleaders in History
Born in Clarinda, Iowa, Alton Glen Miller (1904-1944), commonly known as Glenn Miller, was a distinguished American big band leader, trombonist, and composer of the Swing Era. From a young age, he was drawn to music, playing the trombone in various ensembles and eventually forming his own orchestra. Under his leadership, Glenn Miller and His Orchestra emerged as one of the most celebrated and successful bands of the 20th century, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s. They produced iconic hits such as “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo.”
In a span of just four years, Glenn achieved an impressive 16 number one records and 69 top 10 hits, surpassing even the likes of Elvis Presley and the Beatles in terms of chart-topping successes. His contributions to music have been recognized with multiple entries in the Grammy Hall of Fame. He is often hailed as the father of modern US military bands and remains a towering figure in the annals of jazz and swing music history.
In 1953, Universal-International pictures released “The Glenn Miller Story,” with the legendary James Stewart in the starring role!
Arthur Miller: Influential 20th Century Playwright
Arthur Miller (1915-2005) was an American playwright and essayist, celebrated as one of the paramount dramatists of the 20th century. Born in Harlem, New York City, into a Jewish family with Polish-Jewish roots, his father originated from Radomyśl Wielki in what was then Austria-Hungary. Arthur’s mother was a New Yorker, with her lineage also tracing back to the same town.
Throughout his six-decade-long career, he produced several iconic plays. Death of a Salesman stands out as one of America’s finest theatrical works from the 20th century. Other notable works by Arthur include The Crucible, A View from the Bridge, and All My Sons. These plays often delved into the American Dream’s intricacies, societal pressures, and the essence of personal integrity.
Beyond his contributions to the theater, which earned him a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Arthur’s marriage to Marilyn Monroe and his appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee further elevated his public stature. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1979.
Dorie Miller: War Hero and Civil Rights Figure
Doris “Dorie” Miller (1919-1943) was an American Navy sailor celebrated for his valor during the attack on Pearl Harbor and as a trailblazer in the civil rights movement. He stands as one of the earliest U.S. heroes of World War II.
Hailing from Waco, Texas, Dorie became the first African American to receive the Navy Cross, the third-highest naval distinction for combat bravery. In the face of racial prejudice, Miller’s actions on December 7, 1941, aboard the USS West Virginia — where he operated anti-aircraft guns without prior training and assisted the injured — showcased his remarkable courage and resilience.
Beyond his wartime contributions, Miller’s acknowledgment and the adversities he encountered in a racially divided military underscored the wider fight for racial justice. He became a symbolic figure in the civil rights movement. Today, his legacy is honored through various tributes, including naval ships, schools, and community centers named in his memory.
Did you know that Dorie Miller’s heroic actions during Pearl Harbor were brought to life on the big screen by none other than actor Cuba Gooding Jr. in Michael Bay’s 2001 film “Pearl Harbor”? Additionally, his prestigious Navy Cross award moment was depicted in the 2019 film “Midway.”
Places Named Miller in America
- Miller, Alabama
- Miller, Arkansas
- Miller, California
- Miller, Florida
- Miller, Illinois
- Miller, Indiana
- Miller, Iowa
- Miller, Kansas
- Miller, Kentucky
- Miller, Maryland
- Miller, Michigan
- Miller, Mississippi
- Miller, Missouri
- Miller, Montana
- Miller, Nebraska
- Miller, Ohio
- Miller, Oklahoma
- Miller, South Dakota
- Miller, Tennessee
- Miller, Virginia
Places Named Miller Outside America
- Miller, New Providence, Bahamas
- Miller, Villa Clara, Cuba
- Miller, Wellington, New Zealand
- Miller, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
- Miller, Volgograd, Russian Federation
- Miller, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Miller, Andalucia, Spain
Miller DNA Project
The Miller DNA Project, hosted by FamilyTreeDNA, aims to uncover familial ties among Millers worldwide. All adult males bearing the Miller surname are invited to join, regardless of their global location. While females can certainly participate, it’s recommended for them to have a male relative with the Miller surname—such as a brother, father, uncle, or male cousin—act as their YDNA representative. Currently, the project has 1,877 participants.
Miller Ancestry Resources
- The general armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales: Comprising a registry of armorial bearings from the earliest to the present time. London: Harrison.
- “The Peerage – Index to Baronets.”
- “Baronetage.” Leigh Rayment’s Peerage Page.
- Burke, John, and Bernard Burke. A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Extinct and Dormant Baronetcies of England, Ireland, and Scotland. J.R. Smith, London, 1844.
- “Jewish Surnames.” Judaism 101.
- “Miller, Thomas (c.1635-1705), of North Street, Chichester, Suss.” History of Parliament Online.
- Thorne, R. G. “MILLER, Patrick (d.1845), of Dalswinton, Dumfries.” The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1790-1820. Ed. R. Thorne, 1986. History of Parliament Online.
- “Why Arthur Miller Is Important.” The Arthur Miller Journal, vol. 10, no. 2, 2015, pp. 77–109. JSTOR.
- Miller, Charles Philander. The Miller Family: A History and Genealogy of the Descendants of Jacob Miller, Born in Germany. WM Mitchell Printing Co., 1932. Site registration required.
