Mills Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Mills come from? What does the surname Mills mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Mills and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Mills Origin: What does the last name Mills mean?
Mills is an English and Scottish occupational surname that originated in the early 15th century. It is associated with individuals who worked as millers, operating or owning grain mills. The surname Mills has a strong presence in England, United Kingdom, with records dating back to this period. Over time, the name spread to the United States, where it gained prominence in the 17th century, surpassing its presence in England. Today, the Mills surname can be found in various countries, reflecting its widespread distribution globally.YourRoots data supports the historical presence of the Mills surname in the United Kingdom, indicating its early roots in England. As the surname expanded in the 16th and 17th centuries, it reached other regions such as the United States, establishing a strong presence there. Present-day records from YourRoots show the Mills surname appearing in multiple countries worldwide, highlighting its continued prevalence across different cultures and regions. This enduring surname signifies a connection to the occupation of millers and showcases a rich heritage that transcends geographical boundaries.
Mills Last Name History: Where did the last name Mills come from?
Origin of Mills Surname: Where does the last name Mills originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Mills first appeared in records from England, United Kingdom, in the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Mills” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Mills: What does the Mills surname history look like in the early days?
The “Mills” surname remained closely associated with England, United Kingdom from the 15th through the 16th century. YourRoots data also shows Mills family records in the United States during this period, indicating the start of its spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Mills surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Mills surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing England. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. The “Mills” surname remains prominent in the United States and is also found in other regions worldwide. According to YourRoots data, the surname Mills appears in many countries today, including the United Kingdom, United States, and others.
Explore Mills last name heritage and Mills surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Mills Surame?
Hayley Mills
Hayley Catherine Rose Vivien Mills (April 18, 1946) is an English actress known for her early success as a child star in Disney films like "Pollyanna" and "The Parent Trap." She won awards for her roles and continued to act in films and TV shows throughout her career. Mills also appeared in theatrical plays and published her memoirs in 2021. With a successful career spanning decades, Mills remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Janet Mills
Janet Trafton Mills (born Dec 30, 1947) is an American politician and lawyer, serving as the 75th governor of Maine since 2019. She made history by becoming Maine's first female governor, winning the election in 2018. Mills previously served as Maine Attorney General and in the Maine House of Representatives. Known for her dedication to public service and legal expertise, Mills has been a trailblazer for women in politics in Maine. She continues to make strides in her role as governor, advocating for various policies and initiatives to benefit the people of Maine.
Patty Mills
Patrick Sammie Mills (born Aug 11, 1988) is an Australian professional basketball player known for his three-point shooting and leadership qualities. Mills has played for the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. He led the Australian Boomers to their first-ever Olympic medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and is the 5th highest scorer in Olympic basketball history. Mills is of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Australian descent and is a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and representation in sports.
Heather Mills
Heather Anne Mills (born 12 Jan 1968) is an English former model, businesswoman, and animal rights activist. Despite facing challenges like losing her leg in an accident, she continued her career as a model and later became known for her high-profile marriage to Paul McCartney. Mills is now a prominent advocate for animal rights and a patron of organizations like Viva! and Viva! Health. Her story is one of resilience and dedication to causes she believes in.
Juliet Mills
Juliet Maryon Mills (born Nov 21, 1941) is a British-American actress known for her Tony-nominated stage performance in "Five Finger Exercise" at age 18. She later starred in the sitcom "Nanny and the Professor" and won an Emmy for the miniseries "QB VII." Mills also appeared in films like "Avanti!" and "Beyond the Door." She comes from a family of actors, including her sister Hayley Mills, and grew up surrounded by Hollywood legends. With a career spanning decades, Mills has left a lasting impact on stage, screen, and television, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress.
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