Miller

Pronunciation: [ m-IHL-er ]

Boy Name #439 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

A sturdy American surname ready for the front

English American German

Modern Strong Earthy Bold

Meaning & Origin

"one who mills grain"

Origin: Old English (mylenweard)

Language: English

"mill worker, grain grinder"

Origin: Middle English (millere)

Language: English

The Story of Miller

Miller is an English occupational surname derived from the Middle English millere and Old English mylenweard, referring to someone who operated a mill — grinding grain into flour. The German equivalent Müller shares the same occupational origin. As one of the most common English surnames (top 10 in the US), Miller carries an unmistakably American working-class heritage. Its rise as a first name follows the modern trend of repurposing sturdy English surnames for boys.

Miller has been gaining traction as a first name since the 2010s, part of the broader surname-as-first-name trend alongside names like Fletcher, Cooper, and Parker. Its strong sound and familiar quality make it an easy choice for parents wanting something recognizable but less common.

The miller was a central figure in medieval village life, one of the most economically important and sometimes morally ambiguous tradesmen — Chaucer's Miller's Tale features a cunning, bawdy miller as a memorable character. As a first name, Miller carries a wholesome, craftsman quality.

Fun Facts

Miller is one of the top 10 most common surnames in the United States
In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (c. 1400), the Miller is one of the most vivid and entertaining characters in the entire pilgrimage

Miller in Other Languages

French Meunier

German Müller

Italian Mugnaio

Spanish Molinero

Japanese ミラー

Famous People Named Miller

Sienna Miller

Actor

1981

British-American actress known for her fashion icon status and roles in 'American Sniper' and 'Factory Girl'

Arthur Miller

Writer

1915

Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright, author of 'Death of a Salesman' and 'The Crucible'

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #439
Total SSA Count: 721
Cultural Origins: English American German
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Mills #2920 Million #3960

Common Nicknames

Mill

Pairs Well With

Miller James Miller Reid Miller Cole Miller Grant Miller Knox Miller Hayes

Sibling Names

Fletcher Cooper Brooks Piper Harper Archer

Also a Girl Name

Miller is also used as a girl name, ranked #755.

View Miller as a girl name →

Similar Names

William Silas Wallace Willard Miles Milo Williams Lyle

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Miller

What does the name Miller mean?

"one who mills grain" (from Old English (mylenweard)). "mill worker, grain grinder" (from Middle English (millere)). Miller is an English occupational surname derived from the Middle English millere and Old English mylenweard, referring to someone who operated a mill — grinding grain into flour. The German equivalent Müller shares the same occupational origin. As one of the most common English surnames (top 10 in the US), Miller carries an unmistakably American working-class heritage. Its rise as a first name follows the modern trend of repurposing sturdy English surnames for boys.

What is the origin of the name Miller?

Miller has Old English (mylenweard), Middle English (millere), English, American, and German origins. In Old English (mylenweard), it means "one who mills grain". In Middle English (millere), it means "mill worker, grain grinder".

Is Miller a boy or girl name?

Miller is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #439. As a girl name, it is ranked #755. Miller is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Miller?

Miller is pronounced m-IHL-er.

How popular is the name Miller?

Miller is currently ranked #439 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Miller?

Common nicknames for Miller include Mill.

What are good middle names for Miller?

Popular middle name pairings include Miller James, Miller Reid, Miller Cole, Miller Grant, Miller Knox, and Miller Hayes.

What are good sibling names for Miller?

Names that pair well with Miller as siblings include Fletcher, Cooper, Brooks, Piper, Harper, and Archer.

How many syllables does Miller have?

Miller has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Miller a common or rare name?

Miller is a popular name, ranked #439 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.

About the Name Miller

Miller is a boy name with English, American, and German origins . The name means "one who mills grain" in Old English (mylenweard) .

Is Miller a boy or girl name? Miller is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #439 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #755. Miller is more commonly used as a boy name.

Miller is currently ranked #439 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Miller has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-IHL-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Miller include Mill. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Miller include Mills, Million . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.