What does Miller mean and where does it come from?
Miller is traditionally a surname derived from the occupational role of a miller, one who grinds grain into flour. Over time, it has also emerged as a given name, particularly for females, in recent decades. The name carries connotations of hard work and industriousness. Notable individuals with thi
Cultural significance
Miller has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of occupational surname meaning 'one who grinds grain.'.
Peak popularity
Reached #369 in 2025 — currently #369 in the US.
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Related Reading
USA-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Miller?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Miller?
Miller works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Miller Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Miller John
One syllable · timeless choice
Miller Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Miller Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Miller Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Miller Beau
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Miller right now?
Rising fast — up 69 spots — currently #369 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #369 | 864 | ▲ up 69 · +20% births |
| 2024 | #438 | 723 | ▲ up 90 · +29% births |
| 2023 | #528 | 559 | ▲ up 74 · +19% births |
| 2022 | #602 | 468 | ▼ down 8 |
| 2021 | #594 | 469 | ▲ up 911 · +235% births |
| 2020 | #1505 | 140 | ▲ up 1018 · +97% births |
| 2015 | #2523 | 71 | ▲ up 1779 · +109% births |
| 2010 | #4302 | 34 | ▲ up 3204 · +127% births |
| 2005 | #7506 | 15 | ▼ down 341 · +7% births |
| 2000 | #7165 | 14 | ▲ up 2400 · +75% births |
| 1995 | #9565 | 8 | ▲ up 3437 · +60% births |
| 1990 | #13002 | 5 | ▼ down 8421 |
| 1930 | #4581 | 5 | ▼ down 133 · -17% births |
| 1925 | #4448 | 6 | ▼ down 29 |
| 1920 | #4419 | 6 | — |
The story of Miller
Miller entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 9,257 total births recorded, Miller remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3816 in 1915 to #528 in 2023. Miller is used for both genders: 13% female and 87% male.
Names that peaked alongside Miller in 2025:
Miller by decade
Miller peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 102 | |
| 1890s | 98 | |
| 1900s | 140 | |
| 1910s | 546 | |
| 1920s | 759 | |
| 1930s | 536 | |
| 1940s | 416 | |
| 1950s | 402 | |
| 1960s | 269 | |
| 1970s | 232 | |
| 1980s | 215 | |
| 1990s | 597 | |
| 2000s | 1,379 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,065 | |
| 2020s | 2,988 | |
💎With 9,257 total births, Miller is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Miller?
What names sound and feel like Miller?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Miller also consider these
Common questions about the name Miller
What does the name Miller mean?
Miller means "Occupational surname meaning 'one who grinds grain.'" — a name rooted in USA tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Miller?
Miller is currently ranked #528 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Miller have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Miller?
Miller originates from USA tradition. USA names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Miller?
Miller is a two-syllable name pronounced MIL-er. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Miller trending right now?
Miller is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.