Surname Milnor - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Milnor: What does the surname Milnor mean?
The surname Milnor is of English origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old English terms “mylen” meaning a mill, and “ora”, which denotes an edge or a ridge. Thus, the surname Milnor could be referring to someone who lives on a ridge near a mill or owns one. It was a common practice in England for surnames to be inspired by the locations or features of the landscape. As such, people would acquire such names as an identifier that often reflected their dwelling place, occupation, or notable physical attributes. Therefore, the last name Milnor could suggest an ancestral connection to mill operations or a geographical location associated with mills. There are also several places in England that carry the name Milnor or similar - it is possible that the surname was handed down from these locations.
Order DNA origin analysisMilnor: Where does the name Milnor come from?
The last name Milnor is of English origin, derived from "mill knar," indicating the hill where a mill stands. The surname originates from an occupation or a significant feature of the landscape, as was common in the Middle-Ages. The "mil-" segment represents mill, suggesting the family might have been millers by trade. The Milnor family started out in Cheshire, a place in the north-west of England, before migrating to different parts of the world.
Today, people with the Milnor name can be found in many countries but it’s especially common in the United States. This is largely due to immigration waves from England and other parts of Europe in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The name is more commonly found in areas such as Iowa, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, reflective of the patterns of migration within the U.S. Although not a very common name overall, its holders include notable figures in areas such as mathematics and the military.
Variations of the surname Milnor
The surname Milnor is unique and does not have many variations. It is believed to be derived from the Old English given name Mildheort, which means "gentle and brave". This name evolved over centuries leading to different variations. Some are: Millner, Milner, Mylner, Mullner, Mulner, Melner and Mjelner. These variations arose due to different phonetic spellings over time and regions.
In addition, surnames often got altered as an immigrant's name was recorded in American or Australian immigration records, contributing to its many variants.
Furthermore, the surname Milnor could also be a derivation of "Miller", as the term "Milner" was also used in old times to refer someone working in a mill. Therefore, some related variants of the same origin could be Millar, Miller, Millner, Milner, Mylner and Mjelner.
It's important to note that the exact variations of the surname Milnor may differ based on the family line and regional influences on language and spelling.
Famous people with the name Milnor
- John Milnor: renowned American mathematician and winner of the 1990 Fields Medal.
- John Milnor Jr: a research professor of psychiatry at Duke University and an internationally recognized expert in eating disorders, obesity and addiction.
- Robert Milnor: commissioned artist who has worked in a variety of mediums including 3-D metal sculpture, ceramic, and the creation of bronze and aluminum sculptures.
- Byron Milnor: a former American football coach and college athletics administrator
- George Milnor: a pioneering trial lawyer who stood up for the rights of miners in the US during the early twentieth century.
- Mary Ann Milnor: a contemporary American landscape painter who works with a wide range of mediums including oil, encaustic and digital photography.
- Todd Milnor: an American physicist, best known for his contributions to the field of cryogenic engineering.
- William Milnor: an American engineer and inventor, best known for inventing the first efficient submerged aircraft propulsion system for the Northrop Corporation in 1943.
- Chris Milnor: an American football safety who played three seasons in the National Football League.
- Courtney Milnor: an American lawyer, serving as an associate judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.