The given first name, Mills, is of English origin and has a rich historical background. It is derived from an occupational surname that was originally given to a fuller, someone who cleaned and thickened cloth by beating it in water. The name is thought to have come from the Middle English word "miller," which referred to the person operating a mill.
The name Mills first appeared as a forename in the late 19th century. It gained some popularity during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries such as England and Australia. However, it has never been among the most common names, which contributes to its unique and distinctive sound.
In literature and popular culture, Mills is not a name that appears frequently. This could be due to its relatively uncommon usage compared to other names. Nevertheless, there are a few notable figures who bear this name, such as the American writer Arthur Miller and the British musician Kevin Mills, also known as Tinchy Stryder.
Overall, Mills is an unusual yet attractive first name with an interesting occupational origin. Its rarity makes it a distinctive choice for those looking for a unique name that stands out from more common options.
The Mills name experienced a significant surge in popularity around the early to mid-20th century, with peaks of 20 births or more occurring in recent years. However, it's notable that the name was barely used for several decades between the late 1950s and the early 1980s.