Mills

Origin and Meaning: Mills is a common British surname of English origin. The surname is derived from the Old English word "mylen," which means "mill." It is an occupational surname, indicating that the original bearers of this name were likely millers or workers in a mill.

History: The surname Mills has ancient roots in England, dating back to the medieval era. It was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of England and Wales ordered by William the Conqueror. The name spread across different regions of England as people migrated and settled in various parts of the country.

Variations: Variations of the surname Mills include Mill, Milne, Milner, and Millman. These variations reflect the different ways the surname has been recorded over time.

Famous Bearers:

  • John Stuart Mill: A prominent British philosopher, political economist, and civil servant.
  • Heather Mills: An English entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for her marriage to musician Paul McCartney.
  • C. Wright Mills: An American sociologist known for his contributions to the field of sociology.

Legacy: The surname Mills continues to be a relatively common surname in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. Many individuals of various backgrounds carry the surname, contributing to its enduring presence in modern society.

References:

  • Hanks, Patrick, et al. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.
  • Reaney, P. H., and R. M. Wilson. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge, 1997.

There are approximately 68,925 people named Mills in the UK. That makes it the 91st most common surname in Britain. Around 1,058 in a million people in Britain are named Mills.

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
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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