Mellors

Origin and Meaning

Mellors is an English surname of occupational origin deriving from the Middle English word "meller," which means a miller. The surname was typically given to individuals who worked as millers, operating grain mills to produce flour.

History

The first recorded instance of the Mellors surname in England dates back to the 13th century, when surnames were becoming more established. Milling was a crucial profession during the medieval period, and as such, individuals carrying out this trade were often identifiable by their surname.

Distribution

The surname Mellors is most commonly found in the counties of Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire in England, with notable concentrations in these regions. Over time, families with the surname Mellors have spread to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Famous Bearers

One of the most well-known bearers of the Mellors surname is the fictional character of Oliver Mellors, the gamekeeper in D.H. Lawrence's novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover." This character has become a prominent figure in English literature and culture.

Variants

Variants of the Mellors surname include Meller and Millar, reflecting the different regional pronunciations and dialectal variations in Middle English.

Legacy

The Mellors surname carries with it a heritage linked to the milling trade, which played a significant role in shaping the agricultural and economic landscape of medieval England. Today, descendants of those with the Mellors surname continue to honour their family history and heritage.

There are approximately 2,203 people named Mellors in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,889th most common surname in Britain. Around 34 in a million people in Britain are named Mellors.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Keith
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Christine
  • Dawn
  • Dorothy
  • Elizabeth
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Joy
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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