Show ContentsMalar History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Malar comes from one of the family having worked as a miller or the keeper of a mill. The surname Malar is derived from the Old English word mylenweard. This name is common in the southern and western counties; elsewhere, the form Milner predominates. The "mill-ward" was the keeper of the mill having derived from the Middle English words "melle, mulle, and mulne." 1 2

Early Origins of the Malar family

The surname Malar was first found in Derbyshire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Malar family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Malar research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1430, 1488 and 1502 are included under the topic Early Malar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Malar Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Malar have been found, including: Milward, Milwood and others.

Early Notables of the Malar family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Malar Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Malar family to Ireland

Some of the Malar family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Malar family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Malar, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : Henry Milward, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 with his wife, child, and sister; David and James Milward settled in Boston in 1652; Thomas Milward settled in New England in 1630.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.


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