Show ContentsMiller History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Miller Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Miller

What does the name Miller mean?

The Miller surname is thought to have originated in Bavaria, Germany. As hereditary surnames began to be adopted in that area beginning in the 12th century, people were often identified by the kind of work they did. Miller is an occupational name for a miller, derived from the Old Germanic "Mulinari."

Early Origins of the Miller family

The surname Miller was first found in Southern Germany, where they were established in the Middle Ages. The name is the German form of the Latin name "Molinarius," "Mulinari" in Old German. The modern form of the name, Mueller, is documented early on in the chronicles of Swabia, wherein the knight Conrad von Husen is noted as having become known as Mueller for his ownership of a mill.

Early History of the Miller family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Miller research. Another 239 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1631, 1670, 1675, 1693, 1749, 1752, 1758, 1779, 1806, 1807, 1815, 1825, 1828, 1829 and 1846 are included under the topic Early Miller History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Miller Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Miller include Mueller, Muller, Mueler, Muler, Miller, Moeller, Muellner, Milner, Molner and many more.

Early Notables of the Miller family

Heinrich Müller (1631-1675) was a German devotional author, Protestant author of hymns and Lutheran theologian; Adam Heinrich Mueller (1779-1829), ennobled in 1828 as Ritter von Nittersdorf, who influenced Hegel and accompanied Metternich to Paris in 1815, Johann Matthias Mueller, a general in the Austrian army, who was ennobled in 1758, Friedrich Mueller (1749-1825), known as "Maler Mueller" ("painter Mueller"), a famous painter and writer who enjoyed the patronage of...
Another 69 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Miller Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Miller World Ranking

the United States, the name Miller is the 7th most popular surname with an estimated 1,054,488 people with that name. 1 However, in Canada, the name Miller is ranked the 18th most popular surname with an estimated 63,126 people with that name. 2 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Miller is the 512nd popular surname. 3 Newfoundland, Canada ranks Miller as 49th with 480 people. 4 France ranks Miller as 3,361st with 2,000 - 2,500 people. 5 Australia ranks Miller as 38th with 45,832 people. 6 New Zealand ranks Miller as 36th with 5,567 people. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Miller as 54th with 76,379 people. 8 Russia ranks Miller as 383rd with 41,539 people. 9 South Africa ranks Miller as 560th with 12,463 people. 10

Miller migration to the United States +

Thousands of German settlers came to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. The hardships of the long voyage were balanced by the opportunity to escape poverty and religious persecution. The descendents of these settlers still populate the states of Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many also live in Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Miller or a variant listed above:

Miller Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Mr. Alexander Miller who arrived in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630 aboard the ship "Ambrose" as part of the Winthrop Fleet 12
  • Mr. Richard Miller, aged 12, from England who arrived in Virginia aboard the ship "America" arriving in June 1635 12
  • Mr. Joseph Miller, aged 15, who arrived in New England in 1635 aboard the ship "Hopewell" 13
  • Mr. James Miller, aged 18, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Plain Joan" 13
  • Benjamin Miller, aged 30, who arrived in Bermuda, (Somers Islands) in 1635 aboard the ship "Truelove" 14
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Miller Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Symon Miller, who arrived in Virginia in 1705 14
  • Steve Miller, who arrived in New York in 1709 14
  • Joost Miller, who arrived in New York in 1709 14
  • Conrad Miller, German who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1727 aboard the ship "William and Sarah" 15
  • Jurgen Miller, German who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1727 aboard the ship "James Goodwill" 15
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Miller Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Alexander Craig Miller, who landed in New York in 1801 14
  • Catharina Miller, aged 13, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1807 14
  • Adam Miller, who arrived in Somerset County, Pennsylvania in 1809 14
  • Arthur G Miller, aged 27, who landed in Georgia in 1812 14
  • Ann Miller, aged 55, who arrived in Maryland in 1812 14
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Miller Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Archie W Miller, who arrived in Mississippi in 1902 14
  • Mr. William Miller, (b. 1864), aged 40, American slater returning from Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 27th March 1904 en route to Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, USA 16

Miller migration to Canada +

Miller Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Stephen Miller, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Capt. Garrett Miller U.E. (b. 1738) born in Court Matrix, County Limerick, Ireland from Camden Valley, New York, USA who settled in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec c. 1779, then Ernest Town [Ernestown], Lennox & Addington, Ontario in 1796 he served in the Royal Rangers with Colonel Peters Corps, married twice having 12 children, he died in 1823 Switzerville, Ontario 17
  • Mr. James Miller U.E. who settled in Elizabeth Town [Elizabethtown], Leeds County, Ontario c .1780 17
  • Mr. Jane Miller U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 17
  • Mr. John Miller U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway, [Shelbourne], Nova Scotia on October 26, 1783 was passenger number 4 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on September 20, 1783 at East River, New York, USA 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Miller Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • James Miller, aged 22, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Favourite" in 1815
  • Elizabeth Miller, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Favourite" in 1815
  • John Miller, aged 21, a labourer, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Atlas" in 1815
  • James Miller, aged 48, a farmer, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Dorothy" in 1815
  • Mary Miller, aged 38, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Dorothy" in 1815
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Miller Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • Miss Dagmar Miller, Danish settler who sailed aboard the ship "Stavangerfjord" arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1951

Miller migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet
  • Mr. Daniel Miller, (1755 - 1790), aged 34, British settler convicted at Buckinghamshire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Neptune" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 11
  • Mr. John Miller, (b. 1763), aged 26, British settler convicted at Northumberland, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
  • Mr. James Miller, (1757 - 1790), aged 32, British settler convicted at Buckinghamshire, England in 1788, sentenced to Life for felony, transported aboard the ship "Neptune" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
Second Fleet
  • Mr. William Miller, (John Williams), (b. 1760), aged 30, British settler convicted in Lincolnshire, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for highway robbery, transported aboard the ship "Albermarle" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
Third Fleet
Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Miller Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
  • Mr. William Miller, English convict who was convicted in London, England for life, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 18
Miller Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. John Miller, (b. 1770), aged 30, English milliner who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1816 19
  • Mr.John Miller, British settler who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life for stealing, transported aboard the "Fortune" on 31st October 1812, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 20
  • Mr. Edward Miller, (Rummens), English convict who was convicted in Sussex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 21
  • Mr. James Miller, (Josephs), English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 21
  • Mr. John Miller, English convict who was convicted in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Fame" on 9th October 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 22
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Miller migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Miller Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • William Miller, aged 28, a labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Blenheim" in 1840
  • Maria Miller, aged 27, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Blenheim" in 1840
  • Robert Miller, aged 9, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Blenheim" in 1840
  • Janet Miller, aged 7, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Blenheim" in 1840
  • Mary Miller, aged 5, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Blenheim" in 1840
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Miller migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 23
Miller Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. John Miller, (b. 1588), aged 47, British settler travelling aboard the ship "The Dorset" arriving in Barbados in September 1635 24
  • Mr. Phillip Miller, (b. 1614), aged 21, British settler travelling from Gravesend, England aboard the ship "Falcon" arriving in Barbados in 1636 25
Miller Settlers in West Indies in the 18th Century
  • Thomas Miller, who arrived in Antigua (Antego) in 1752-1756 14

Contemporary Notables of the name Miller (post 1700) +

  • Balin Miller (2002-2025), American climber known for solo ascents in Patagonia, Canada, and Alaska
  • Carl Eugene Miller (1938-2025), American politician, served in the Colorado House of Representatives, represented the counties of Summit, Lake and Eagle
  • Charles W. Miller (1939-2025), American politician and Democratic member of the Kentucky House of Representatives (1998-2023), represented Kentucky's 28th House district, which includes southwest Jefferson County
  • Lenore Miller (1932-2025), American labor union leader, campaigned on health and safety at work, and for the representation of low paid workers by unions, served on the executives of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Associations and the International Federation of Commercial, Clerical, Professional and Technical Employees
  • Lawrence James Miller (1946-2025), American basketball player, named to the ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team in 2002, as one of the 50 greatest players in Atlantic Coast Conference history
  • Norman Charles Miller (1934-2025), American journalist, worked for The Wall Street Journal
  • Venus Bell Miller (1917-1978), née Cox, American Private in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, first all-female, all-African-American battalion to server overseas
  • Perry Miller (1941-2025), known professionally as Jesse Colin Young, an American singer and songwriter, founding member and lead singer of the 1960s group the Youngbloods, embarked on a solo career, releasing a series of albums through Warner Bros. Records, including Song for Juli (1973), Light Shine (1974), Songbird (1975), and the live album On the Road (1976)
  • Oliver J. Miller (1970-2025), American former professional basketball player
  • ... (Another 95 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Arrow Air Flight 1285
  • Mr. Richard Dean Miller (1960-1985), American Staff Sergeant from Tyler, Texas, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 26
  • Mr. Dirk A Miller (1965-1985), American Warrant Officer Class II from Clarksville, Tennessee, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 27
  • Mr. Timothy E Miller (1965-1985), American Specialist 4th Class from Noblesville, Indiana, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 27
  • Mr. Larry Gene Miller (1961-1985), American Sergeant from Loogootee, Indiana, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 27
  • Clwydd Osborne Miller (1919-1943), Australian Private who died aboard the ship "Centaur" an Australian hospital ship when torpedoed on 14th May 1943
  • ... (Another 70 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Miller Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Virtute ingenioque valemus
Motto Translation: We are strong because our virtue and talent

Suggested Readings for the name Miller +

  • The History and Genealogy of the Miller Family by Thelma Ray Miller.
  • The Huguenot Millers by Margaret Miller White.
  • The Miller and Simmons Families by William Shurtleff.
  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  3. "The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
  4. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  5. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  6. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  7. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  8. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  9. "Most Common Last Names in Russia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/russia/surnames
  10. "Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
  11. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  12. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved January 6th 2023 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  13. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  14. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  15. Egle, William Henry. Names of foreigners who took the oath of allegiance to the province and state of Pennsylvania... Edwin K. Meyers state printer, 1892 
  16. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  17. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  18. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
  19. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  20. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au
  21. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
  22. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
  23. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  24. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 29th September 2021. Retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  25. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  26. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550

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