Last Name Milford

The surname "Milford" is of English origin. It is derived from a place-name meaning "mill ford," which describes a ford at a milling site. It is found in various locations throughout England, such as in Milford-on-Sea, Milford Haven, and Milford-on-Stour. The name was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating that it has been used for over nine centuries in England.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Milford

The meaning and origin of the last name Milford

The surname Milford is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from a place name, indicating someone who lived by a "mill" (Old English: "mylne") on a "ford" (Old English: "ford"). In the Middle Ages, many European families, particularly those with means, adopted occupational names which frequently originated from their place of residence or the primary activity of the family head. The name Milford is found in England, where it first appeared as a placename in various counties such as Dorset, Hampshire, and Sussex. It was later taken up as a surname during the Middle Ages, often by people who lived near or worked at one of these places bearing this name. Over time, the spelling has evolved with variations such as Milforde, Millford, and Milfurd being recorded in historical documents. Today, Milford is a common surname in England and its diaspora, particularly in America and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Milford

The surname Milford is predominantly found in English-speaking regions, particularly in England and the United States. In England, it is most frequent in the counties of Worcestershire, Yorkshire, and Surrey, reflecting historical migration patterns within the country. In the United States, the highest concentration of the Milford surname can be found in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, suggesting a strong influence from early English settlers. The name is also present in other parts of the world, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand, due to emigration and colonization events throughout history. Despite its concentration in these areas, the Milford surname can be found scattered globally, reflecting the transient nature of human migration over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Milford

The surname Milford possesses several variations and spelling alternatives across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Millford, Mільфорд (in Cyrillic), Meylforde, Mylforde, Milforde, and Millfaude, among others. These variations may arise from regional dialects, transcription errors in historical records, or changes in spelling conventions over time. Additionally, some individuals may prefer to Anglicize the name, leading to modifications such as Melville, Mellifont, or Melford. It is essential to understand these variations when researching genealogy or history related to this surname.

Famous people with the last name Milford

Notable individuals bearing the surname Milford include:

1. Richard Milford (1926-2004), an American actor, best known for his roles in "Dallas" and "Flamingo Road."

2. Jena Malone (born 1984), an American actress who gained fame for her roles in "Saving Private Ryan," "Batman Begins," and "The Hunger Games." Although her birth name is Jena Lisa Milkovich, she later changed it professionally to Jena Malone.

3. Michael Anthony Milford (born 1960), an Australian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of differential geometry.

4. Rita Milford (born 1951), a British-American mathematician, known for her work in algebraic geometry.

5. John Milford (1883-1960), an American character actor who appeared in over 200 films between 1914 and 1954.

These individuals have made notable contributions to their respective fields, spanning the realm of acting, mathematics, and film.

Genealogical research on the last name Milford

The surname Milford has Anglo-Saxon origins, stemming from "Mylfeld," which means "mill field" or "field with a mill." This name is associated primarily with England but also found among settlers in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. One of the earliest recorded instances of the Milford family was Robert de Melfeld, who resided in Lancashire during the reign of King Henry III (1235-1272). Notable figures bearing the name Milford include Sir John Milford, a knight who fought for William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings; Richard Milford, an English lawyer and politician who served as Speaker of the House of Commons in 1601-1604; and James Milford, an American naval officer who was awarded the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. The Milfords have also been active in other professions such as education, medicine, law, and business throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Milford"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 12 June 2025

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