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Miller

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Miller Pronunciation

Miller is pronounced MIL-er /ˈmɪl.ər/High

Meaning: Occupational name for one who operates a grain mill; from Middle English milner / millerHigh

In 30 seconds: A straightforward English occupational surname meaning 'one who works a mill.' Like Cooper, Parker, and Hunter, it has crossed from surname to first name — now rising for girls alongside other trade-name names.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningOccupational name for one who operates a grain mill; from Middle English milner / miller

U.S. rank (2025)#571 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births528 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,763

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Miller is a Middle English occupational surname for a person who ran a grain mill. The word derives from Old English mylen (mill), itself from Latin molina. It became one of the most common English surnames, alongside Smith and Taylor, owing to the ubiquity of the mill in rural communities.

As a given name, Miller appeared in small numbers in U.S. birth data from the 2010s and has risen steadily for girls alongside other occupational surname names such as Cooper, Harper, and Parker. By 2024 it ranked #757 for girls.

Did you know? Miller is the third most common occupational surname in England (after Smith and Taylor) — a reflection of just how central grain milling was to medieval village life.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Miller — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

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Nicknames

MillieMill

Themes & Styles

English Unisex Surname-style Occupational

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Miller…

Cooper— occupational surname name that made the same first-name crossover for girls

Harper— popular occupational surname name now firmly in the girls' top 10

Hunter— occupation-derived surname used for both sexes

Taylor— occupational surname name long established as a unisex first name

→ See all names like Miller

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Miller?

Miller is pronounced MIL-er (/ˈmɪl.ər/). Press play above to hear Miller said aloud.

How do you say Miller?

Miller is said MIL-er (/ˈmɪl.ər/). Press play above to hear Miller said aloud.

What does the name Miller mean?

Miller is an occupational surname meaning 'one who operates a grain mill,' from Middle English.

Is Miller a boy or girl name?

Miller is used for both sexes and has been trending upward for girls since the 2010s.

How popular is Miller?

Miller ranked #757 for U.S. girls in 2024.