Show ContentsMaylard History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Maylard family name dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The name comes from when an early member worked as a miller or the keeper of a mill. The surname Maylard 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 Maylard family

The surname Maylard 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 Maylard family

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

Maylard Spelling Variations

Maylard has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Maylard have been found, including Milward, Milwood and others.

Early Notables of the Maylard family

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

Ireland Migration of the Maylard family to Ireland

Some of the Maylard 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 Maylard family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Maylards to arrive on North American shores: 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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