Show ContentsMilwarde History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The founding heritage of the Milwarde family is in the Anglo-Saxon culture that once dominated in Britain. The name Milwarde comes from when one of the family worked as a miller or the keeper of a mill. The surname Milwarde 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 Milwarde family

The surname Milwarde 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 Milwarde family

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

Milwarde Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Milwarde has been spelled many different ways, including Milward, Milwood and others.

Early Notables of the Milwarde family

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

Ireland Migration of the Milwarde family to Ireland

Some of the Milwarde 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 Milwarde family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Milwardes to arrive in North America: 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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