Boy · 703rd of 23,106
Miller
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
12,541
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2024
Peak Popularity Year
1,093
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Miller stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name 'Miller' originates from the Old English word for 'mill', indicating a historical occupation related to milling. It has evolved from 'mylen' in Old English to 'milner' in Middle English, and finally to its current form in Modern English. The name signifies a connection to agriculture and craftsmanship, with no direct biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the Middle Ages and remains a common surname today.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɪlər/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name 'Miller' is derived from the Old English word 'mylen', which means 'mill'. It originally referred to someone who worked in or owned a mill, a common occupation in medieval times.
Meaning
one who works in or owns a mill
Language Evolution
Old English: mylen, Middle English: milner, Modern English: Miller
Historical Usage
The surname Miller gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages, particularly as milling became an essential trade in agricultural communities.
Variants & Derivatives
Millar, Müller (German), Miller (Scottish)
Modern Popularity & Image
Miller is a commonly recognized surname in English-speaking countries and is often associated with rural and historical roots related to agriculture and craftsmanship.
Famous People
Arthur Miller, American playwright, Miller Williams, American poet, Dale Miller, American politician
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,093 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 42 US states, with strongest presence in Georgia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 13 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 720th of 7545 | 1,274 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 944th of 6773 | 845 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1265th of 7552 | 703 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1870th of 10718 | 379 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2143rd of 16616 | 499 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1257th of 24088 | 1,988 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 703rd of 23106 | 4,404 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5003rd of 9107 | 52 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5456th of 9204 | 42 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 11867th of 12526 | 6 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 12632nd of 27321 | 60 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5832nd of 35406 | 337 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1520th of 30306 | 1,738 |