Mills, derived from the English surname of the same spelling, is an androgynous given name of recent vintage. It gained prominence as a unisex given name in the late 20th century, likely influenced by its use as a surname for prominent figures throughout history. The name Mills has no specific meaning or etymology associated with it beyond its original usage as a surname, which is derived from the English word 'mill', referring to a building used for grinding grain. Despite this lack of inherent meaning, the name Mills has been embraced by many parents due to its unique sound and spelling, offering a distinctive option for both boys and girls.
The name Mills has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past decade, with a significant spike in recent years. Between 2013 and 2023, there were a total of 96 babies named Mills, with the most notable peak occurring in 2022 when 21 newborns were given this name. This represents an encouraging trend for parents choosing Mills as their child's name.