"one who mills grain"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Miller
Pronunciation: [ m-IHL-er ]
Girl Name
#755 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
A surname-chic name with the sweet nickname Millie
American
English
Modern
Bold
Unique
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"mill worker, grinder"
Origin: Middle English
Language: English
The Story of Miller
Miller is an Old English occupational surname meaning 'one who grinds grain at a mill,' from the Middle English 'milnere.' Like other occupational surnames — Baker, Cooper, Taylor — it described an ancestor's trade in medieval England. Using Miller as a first name for girls is part of the broader 21st-century trend of surname-names, where parents choose last names as first names for a distinctive, unisex-leaning choice.
Miller as a girl's name entered US charts in the 2010s, riding the wave of surname-names that include Harper, Quinn, Parker, and Sloane. It's still relatively rare for girls, which appeals to parents who want something recognizable-yet-uncommon. The built-in nickname 'Millie' (currently very popular in its own right) makes it especially appealing.
Occupational surname-as-first-name is a distinctly modern American naming phenomenon. Miller carries a working-class, salt-of-the-earth heritage while sounding modern and fresh on a child. It works equally well for boys or girls, giving it flexibility.
Fun Facts
- Miller is the 7th most common surname in the United States, making it a familiar sound even as a first name
- The surname-as-first-name trend for girls (Harper, Quinn, Parker, Miller) has been one of the defining naming movements of the 2010s and 2020s
Miller in Other Languages
French
Meunier (surname equivalent)
German
Müller (surname equivalent)
Spanish
Molino (occupational equivalent)
Famous People Named Miller
S
Sienna Miller
Actor
1981
British-American actress and model known for American Sniper and The Girl
A
Arthur Miller
Writer
1915
American playwright known for Death of a Salesman and The Crucible, one of the greatest dramatists of the 20th century
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #755
- Total SSA Count
- 372
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Millie
Milly
Mill
Pairs Well With
Miller Grace
Miller Rose
Miller Jane
Miller Mae
Miller Kate
Miller Elizabeth
Miller Ann
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Miller is also used as a boy name, ranked #439.
View Miller as a boy name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (American)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Miller
What does the name Miller mean?
"one who mills grain" (from Old English). "mill worker, grinder" (from Middle English). Miller is an Old English occupational surname meaning 'one who grinds grain at a mill,' from the Middle English 'milnere.' Like other occupational surnames — Baker, Cooper, Taylor — it described an ancestor's trade in medieval England. Using Miller as a first name for girls is part of the broader 21st-century trend of surname-names, where parents choose last names as first names for a distinctive, unisex-leaning choice.
What is the origin of the name Miller?
Miller has Old English, Middle English, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "one who mills grain". In Middle English, it means "mill worker, grinder".
Is Miller a boy or girl name?
Miller is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #755. As a boy name, it is ranked #439. 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 #755 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Miller?
Common nicknames for Miller include Millie, Milly, and Mill.
What are good middle names for Miller?
Popular middle name pairings include Miller Grace, Miller Rose, Miller Jane, Miller Mae, Miller Kate, Miller Elizabeth, and Miller Ann.
What are good sibling names for Miller?
Names that pair well with Miller as siblings include Harper, Parker, Quinn, Brooks, Blake, Hadley, and Sawyer.
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 moderately common, ranked #755 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Miller
Miller is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "one who mills grain" in Old English .
Is Miller a boy or girl name? Miller is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #755 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #439. Miller is more commonly used as a boy name.
Miller is currently ranked #755 in popularity for girl 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 Millie, Milly, and Mill. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Miller include Millie, Millicent, Milly, Milliana, Milla . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.