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Millie

♀ Girl

Pronounced MIL-ee /ˈmɪl.i/High

Meaning: Gentle strength; loving labor — short form of Millicent (from Old High German amal + swind) or Mildred (from Old English mild + thryth)High

In 30 seconds: A sweet nickname-name, Millie can stand alone or be short for Millicent or Mildred. It has made a charming comeback, riding the wave of vintage nicknames that now work as standalone names.
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Origin HighLatin, Old High German
MeaningGentle strength; loving labor — short form of Millicent (from Old High German amal + swind) or Mildred (from Old English mild + thryth)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 29,225

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Millie is a nickname traditionally short for Millicent (from Old High German, meaning 'strong labor') or Mildred (from Old English, meaning 'gentle strength'). As a standalone name it belongs to the Victorian fashion for affectionate diminutives.

Millie enjoyed popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fell from fashion mid-century, and has made a strong comeback in the 21st century as a standalone given name.

Did you know? Millie Bobby Brown, who rose to fame as Eleven in Stranger Things, has become one of the name's most prominent young bearers and boosted its popularity significantly.

Variations

MillyMillicentMildredAmelia

Nicknames

Mill

Famous Bearers

  • ★Millie Bobby Brown (2004–)
    British actress who rose to fame as Eleven in the Netflix series Stranger Things.

If you like Millie…

Daisy— vintage nickname-style flower name with the same cheerful retro revival
Ruby— crisp gem name with the same Victorian-to-modern revival arc
Nora— short classic with the same warm, vintage feminine appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Millie mean?

Millie is a short form of Millicent or Mildred, both Germanic names with meanings around 'gentle strength' or 'strong labor.'

How do you pronounce Millie?

It is said MIL-ee /ˈmɪl.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Millie a boy or girl name?

Millie is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Millie?

Millie has been rising quickly in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 200 girls' names.