Surname Mill - Meaning and Origin
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Mill: What does the surname Mill mean?
The last name "Mill" is of English and Scottish origin and is derived from the Middle English term "mille" which means a mill. This surname was typically given to individuals who lived near a mill or who worked in a mill. It's an occupational surname, referring to the person's job or trade. It could also be topographical, referring to someone who lived by a mill. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Simon de Melle, which was dated 1221, in the "Feet of Fines of Suffolk". The origin of surnames during this period became a necessity with the introduction of personal taxation. Hence, throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to unfold and expand, often leading to an astonishing variant of the original spelling. Although the name Mill could have other minor interpretations depending on the cultural and geographical backgrounds, it is primarily associated with mills, milling or locations of a mill. In the early times, mills were central to the community for grinding grains, hence anyone associated with mills had a prominent role.
Order DNA origin analysisMill: Where does the name Mill come from?
The surname "Mill" is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English term "mylen," meaning a mill. It was given as an occupational name for a miller or the mill owner. Alternatively, it could also be a locational surname for someone who lived near a mill. As per the medieval custom of adopting the name of the occupation or the place of dwelling as surnames, the name "Mill" came into existence.
As migrations happened, the surname Mill spread to different parts of the world, making it relatively common in various regions. Today, it is found predominantly in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland, and in the United States. Furthermore, after the Scottish clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, many Scottish families migrated to Australia and New Zealand, making the surname fairly common here as well. However, despite the spread, according to recent census data, the surname Mill remains prevalent in Scotland.
Variations of the surname Mill
The surname Mill has several variants and spellings that evolved over time or have different cultural origins but essentially refer to the same lineage. Some of these variants include Mills, Millis, Millson, Millson, and Mille. In some other countries or languages, it can be found as Millen, Müller (German), Molnar (Hungarian), Mlynarz (Polish), and Melnikov (Russian) - all of which bear the meaning related to a mill or miller.
The name has also been Americanized in various forms by immigrants to the United States. For example, the Swedish surname Mjölnir or Danish Møller could be changed to Mill or Mills in English speaking countries.
There can also be regional variations based on dialects or local language variations. For instance, in Scotland, the surname may appear as Mylne, Milne, or Miln.
These different spellings and forms of the surname Mill are associated with the same origin, generally denoting a person who worked in a mill or lived close to a mill. The meaning is based on the occupation or location, which was a common way of assigning surnames in medieval times.
However, these surnames, while having the same origins, have spread out and formed lineages of their own over hundreds of years and across different locations.
Famous people with the name Mill
- John Stuart Mill: An influential English philosopher known for his contributions to political economy and political philosophy.
- James Mill: A Scottish historian, economist, political theorist, and philosopher. He is also the father of John Stuart Mill.
- C. Wright Mills: An American sociologist, known for his work on social structure and personality.
- Jeff Mill: A former English footballer.
- Frank Mill: A former German footballer.
- Harmen J. Van Der Mill: A Dutch tennis player.
- Johnny Mill: An Australian rules footballer.
- Harriet Taylor Mill: A philosopher and women's rights advocate, and the wife of John Stuart Mill.
- John Mill: A 17th-century English theologian.
- Judi Mill: An American actress.
- Travis Mill: Known professionally as T. Mills, he is an American recording artist and actor.
- Heather Mill: A British activist and former model.
- Valeria Mill: A Russian actress.
- Peter Mill: A British race car driver.
- Leila Mill: A French singer.
- Bob Mill: A British comedian and writer.
- Danny Mill, an American actor.
- Grant Mill, a British rugby player. These individuals come from various professions, including philosophers, footballers, actors, comedians, models, singers, and race car drivers.