One who lived near a mill
Originally an English occupational surname, Mills refers to someone who worked in or lived near a mill. It is derived from the Middle English word 'mille' or 'milne', which has roots in the Latin 'molina'. As a first name, it follows the modern trend of using crisp, s-ending surnames for boys.
Less common today
Mills isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,769 in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Professional boxing referee and judge
One of the largest men in recorded history
Two-time Governor of Virginia
