Miller is an English surname that originated from the Middle German word "müller," which means miller. The name was given to individuals who worked as millers or were associated with a mill in some way. This could include owning the mill, working at the mill, living near the mill, or having another connection to milling.
The Miller surname is believed to have been brought to England by German immigrants during the Middle Ages. It has since become quite common in English-speaking countries and has spread across North America with British settlers.
While it is important to note that the meaning of names can evolve over time and may vary depending on cultural context, the literal translation of Miller as "miller" has remained consistent throughout history.
The name Miller has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1880 and 1900, there were an average of approximately 14 births per year with the name Miller. However, by the 1970s, this number had decreased to an average of around 20 births per year.
The turning point came in the late 1980s when the popularity of the name began to rise steadily. Between 1989 and 1999, there was an average of about 45 births per year with the name Miller. This trend continued into the new millennium, with over 250 births per year on average between 2000 and 2010.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Miller has continued to grow. Between 2011 and 2023, there have been an average of approximately 380 births per year with the name Miller in the United States. In fact, according to the Social Security Administration's data on baby names, Miller was the 7th most popular boys' name in 2021.
This steady increase in popularity over time suggests that the name Miller is well-liked and continues to be a popular choice for parents naming their children in the United States.