Rising since 1986, #369 for boys today.
Popularity of Miller since 1880
Babies named Miller per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 102 |
| 1890s | 0 | 98 |
| 1900s | 0 | 140 |
| 1910s | 20 | 526 |
| 1920s | 32 | 726 |
| 1930s | 31 | 505 |
| 1940s | 17 | 399 |
| 1950s | 0 | 402 |
| 1960s | 0 | 269 |
| 1970s | 0 | 233 |
| 1980s | 6 | 210 |
| 1990s | 87 | 511 |
| 2000s | 183 | 1,196 |
| 2010s | 665 | 2,407 |
| 2020s | 1,722 | 3,448 |
Meaning & origin
Miller, originally an English occupational surname, has steadily gained ground as a gender-neutral first name. First recorded in 1880, it saw little use for over a century before beginning a sustained rise in 1986. By 2025, it reached its peak rank of 369, with 1 in every 1,977 newborns receiving the name. Its strongest presence is in North Dakota, Alabama, and Louisiana, reflecting a particular resonance in the American South and Midwest. The name's straightforward pronunciation and strong surname tradition make it a popular choice for parents seeking a name that feels both modern and grounded.
Miller originates as an occupational surname for someone who operated a grain mill. The name comes from Middle English 'mille', via Old English 'mylen', from Latin 'molina'. As a given name, Miller gained traction in the late 20th century, following the trend of using surnames as first names. It has been consistently rising in popularity since the mid-1980s.
Where Miller is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Miller” around the world
Where Miller lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
14
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mill, Mills
Variants: Millar
Sibling names for Miller
Names that share Miller's style, for a brother or sister.
