Miller
MIH-ler
Miller is an English occupational surname for someone who operates a grain mill, from the Middle English millere and Latin molere (“to grind”). It is one of America’s most common surnames.
The surname-to-first-name transition accelerated in the 2010s. Miller follows Mason, Cooper, and Carter in the wave of trade-based surnames entering the given-name charts.
Miller is at its all-time SSA peak: No. 438 in 2024 with 721 births. The name is still climbing, having appeared on the chart only recently.
What the name Miller means
Playwright Arthur Miller, musician Glenn Miller, and beer brand Miller all contribute to the name’s cultural familiarity, though no single figure drives its use as a first name.
Two syllables - MIL-er - are light and easy. The liquid consonants and short vowels give it a friendly, unimposing sound.
Parents choosing Miller may be drawn to its working-class roots and all-American sensibility. It feels honest and unpretentious as a given name.
As a peak-year name in 2024, Miller is part of the newest generation of surname names. Its trajectory over the next few years will reveal whether it has staying power.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Miller
Miller - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity