Millard is a rare and unique male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Myrld, which is composed of the elements "mýr" meaning "famous" or "illustrious," and "-wald" meaning "rule" or "power." Thus, Millard means "famous ruler" or "illustrious power."
The name Millard has a long history, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. It was first recorded in England during the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appeared as Mildred. Over time, the name evolved through various forms such as Myrld, Myrde, and Milward before settling on Millard.
Despite its ancient origins, Millard remains relatively uncommon today. It is not currently ranked among the most popular names in any English-speaking country. This rarity may contribute to its unique appeal for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
In literature, one notable figure bearing the name Millard is Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States. Born in 1800, Fillmore served as president from 1850 to 1853 and was known for signing the Compromise of 1850 into law.
Overall, Millard is a historic and meaningful name with an intriguing etymology that sets it apart from more common names. Its rare usage today allows those who bear this name to stand out while still honoring its rich heritage.
The name Millard appears to have been quite popular in its early years, with over 50 births each year from 1880 to 1904, and even reaching triple digits in 1912 (187 births) and 1913 (249 births). However, the popularity of the name declined significantly over time. After a peak in 1915 with 406 births, the number started to drop steadily. By the late 1930s, the number of annual births fell below 300 and continued to decrease into the 1940s. In the 1950s, there were fewer than 200 Millard births per year, and this trend continued throughout the remainder of the century. Since the 1980s, the name has become quite rare, with fewer than 30 births each year on average, and often less than 10 births per year in recent decades. As of 2022, there have been a total of 16,732 births named Millard since 1880.