Origin & Meaning of the Miller Surname
What does the last name Miller mean?
The surname Miller carries the meaning "Occupational name for a grain miller." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,161,437 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Miller ranks as the #7 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Miller come from?
The Miller surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Miller name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Miller trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Miller |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a grain miller |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,161,437 |
| Per 100K People | 393.74 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Miller
According to the US Census, the Miller surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,161,437 Americans with the Miller last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.11% |
| Black | 10.76% |
| Hispanic | 2.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.66% |
| Two or More Races | 1.77% |
Popularity of Miller Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Miller surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Miller surname increased by 33,634 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Miller.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miller
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