What does the baby name Mills mean? Learn about what Mills means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Mills - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
The name 'Mills' is a variant of the surname 'Miller'. The surname 'Miller' originated from the Middle English word 'miller', which was derived from the Old English word 'mylenweard'. 'Mylenweard' was a compound word, combining 'mylen' meaning 'mill' and 'weard' meaning 'guardian' or 'keeper'. Over time, the spelling of 'miller' evolved into 'Mills'.
The name 'Mills' does not hold specific cultural significance. However, the occupational surname 'Miller' has historical importance in various cultures around the world. Millers played a crucial role in agricultural societies, as they were responsible for grinding grains into flour, an essential staple in many civilizations.