Miller

Origin and Meaning: Miller is an English occupational surname derived from the Middle English term "miller," which referred to someone who operated a grain mill. The surname likely originally denoted a person's occupation as a miller, working at a mill where grain was ground into flour.

History: The surname Miller has ancient roots in England, and it first appeared in written records in the late 11th century. The profession of a miller was essential in medieval society, as grain milling was a crucial process for producing flour for bread, a staple food at the time. The importance of milling led to the widespread use of the surname Miller across England.

Distribution and Popularity: The surname Miller is one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world. It is particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting the widespread presence of this occupational surname among English-speaking populations.

Variants: Variants of the surname Miller include Millar, Millen, Millman, Milner, and others. These variations may have evolved over time due to regional dialects, phonetic spelling differences, or other influences.

Famous Individuals:

  • Arthur Miller: An American playwright and essayist, known for works such as "Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible."
  • Glenn Miller: A renowned American jazz musician and bandleader during the Swing Era.
  • Heather and Sienna Miller: British actresses and fashion icons, known for their work in film and television.

In Conclusion: The surname Miller carries a rich history as an occupational name, symbolizing the important role millers played in medieval society. Today, individuals with the surname Miller can be found across various English-speaking countries, with notable figures making their mark in the fields of arts, entertainment, and beyond.

There are approximately 103,577 people named Miller in the UK. That makes it the 53rd most common surname in Britain. Around 1,591 in a million people in Britain are named Miller.

Surname type: Occupational name

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
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.