"one who mills grain"
Origin: Old English (mylenweard)
Language: English
Miller
Pronunciation: [ m-IHL-er ]
Does Miller flow with your last name?
A sturdy American surname ready for the front
English
American
German
Modern
Strong
Earthy
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"mill worker, grain grinder"
Origin: Middle English (millere)
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Miller first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 7,810 babies have been named Miller in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Miller is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #439 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#439
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Miller
S
Sienna Miller
Actor
1981
British-American actress known for her fashion icon status and roles in 'American Sniper' and 'Factory Girl'
A
Arthur Miller
Writer
1915
Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright, author of 'Death of a Salesman' and 'The Crucible'
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Compare Miller with:
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
Common Nicknames
Mill
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Miller
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Miller is also used as a girl name, ranked #755.
View Miller as a girl name →Similar Names
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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.
What boy names are similar to Miller?
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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis