Surname Millard - Meaning and Origin
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Unveiling Celtic Roots: Discovering the Origins of the Millard Surname through DNA Testing
Delving into the history and origin of my surname Millard, with the help of the iGENEA DNA test, has been an enlightening journey. An examination of the sample of my DNA suggested Celtic origins, tracing a significant part of my family history back to the ancient regions of Ireland, Britain, and France. The results, although not the complete picture, offer a fascinating insight into my ancestral connection with these rich cultures.
C. Millard
read moreMillard: What does the surname Millard mean?
The surname Millard is of English origins and derives from the medieval English given name "Mildheard," composed of the elements "milde," meaning gentle, and "heard,"meaning brave or hardy. The use of this given name in England was influenced by the Normans during the Norman Conquest of 1066 who popularized the French form "Mildiard." Over time, "Mildheard" evolved into Millard and became a surname. As per its literal interpretation, it could be understood to mean "gentle brave." Surnames were often used to denote occupations or trades, however, in the case of Millard, it seems to be derived from personal characteristics rather than profession. It's also important to note that meanings of surnames can vary significantly based on geographical locations and centuries. Therefore, the current meaning may not necessarily depict its initial conception.
Order DNA origin analysisMillard: Where does the name Millard come from?
The surname Millard is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Mildheard", a compound of the elements "milde" meaning "mild, gentle" and "heard" meaning "hardy, brave, strong". It was used as a first name in the Middle Ages, later transforming into a surname.
The surname is mostly associated with England, becoming established there during the era of Anglo-Saxon tribes. In England, it was particularly populous within the southwestern county of Cornwall during the Middle Ages. The first record of this last name dates back to 1188, where Reginald Millard was registered in the Pipe Rolls of Hampshire.
Today, the last name Millard is fairly common in English-speaking nations. It remains most prevalent in England followed by the United States and Canada, having spread through English emigration patterns, particularly during the colonial period. It is also fairly common in Australia and South Africa. The distribution of the Millard surname in these countries varies, with it typical in some regions and less so in others.
Variations of the surname Millard
The surname Millard has several variants and spellings that come from the same origin. Some of the most prevalent variants include Millward, Milward, Millwood and Milwood. These names are derived from the old English terms 'mylen-weard', which translates to 'the guardian of the mill' or 'mill warden'. Therefore, it is likely that the original bearers of the surname held a position of some importance at a mill in either a professional or ownership capacity.
There are a few other somewhat less common variations of the surname, primarily based on phonetic spelling, these include Mellard, Mellwood, Milard and Milliard. In some cases, an 's' is added to the end of the name, creating the surnames Millards or Milwards.
These variations could be regional or could represent a branching of the family tree, as different branches of a family could adopt slightly different spellings of the same original surname over time. As with many surnames, the exact spelling could also be influenced by clerical or transcription errors, personal preference or a desire for a unique identifier.
Famous people with the name Millard
- Dede Millard: singer and songwriter.
- Elizabeth Millard: author of fiction and nonfiction titles spanning environmental literature, linguistics, and philosophy.
- John Millard: British poet and artist.
- Zebulon R. Millard: Civil War veteran, politician, and founder of Millard, Utah.
- William Millard: entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and philanthropist.
- Richard Millard: American drummer and composer.
- Erna Millard: opera singer and actress.
- Amanda Millard: sculptor and professor of art history.
- Jules Millard: French actor and screenwriter.
- Stephen Millard: British rower who won the gold medal in the coxless four at the 2000 Summer Olympics.