NomOrigine Background

Last Name Muller

What is the origin of the last name Muller?

The surname Muller is a patronymic derived from the German given name Müller, meaning "mill worker" in German. It originated as an occupational name for someone who worked with mills or grinders, and it is one of the most common surnames in Germany. The name has also been anglicized to Miller in English-speaking countries.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Muller

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Muller

The meaning and origin of the last name Muller

The surname Muller originates from Germany, specifically in Old High German, where it is derived from the occupational name Müller, which means "millworker" or "miller". The occupation was an essential one during feudal times as mills were crucial for grinding grain. The name has been widely distributed due to German immigration waves throughout history, particularly to other European countries and North America. In some regions, variations of the surname have emerged, such as Müller, Mulder, Muller, and Miller. The name is among the most common surnames in Germany and has spread globally with German diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Muller

The surname Muller, a common German variation of Miller, exhibits a widespread geographical distribution due to its origins. It is most prevalent in Germany and other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. Beyond Europe, significant populations bearing the name can be found in regions that were once under German influence or settlement, including parts of Russia, Poland, and the Baltic states. The name also has a presence in South America, particularly in Brazil and Argentina, where Germans migrated during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In North America, the name is prominent in Canada due to German immigration and in the United States, especially in areas with high German-American populations such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Muller

The surname Muller has various spelling variations across different regions and languages. Some common versions include:

1. Müller (German) - the original form, derived from the occupational name for a miller or a diminutive of the given name Mueller.
2. Moller (Danish, Norwegian, and Faroese) - a Scandinavian variation of Muller.
3. Möller (Swedish and Finnish) - another Scandinavian variant, with an added diaeresis to indicate the pronunciation of two syllables.
4. Mulder (Dutch) - a Dutch variant that may also be found in English-speaking countries with significant Dutch immigration.
5. Muller-Lutzerath (German) - a compound surname, derived from two separate family names.
6. Mueller (English and American) - the Anglicized version of Müller, often with an additional 'r' for phonetic reasons.
7. Mollere (French) - a French variation due to assimilation of the final 'l' to the preceding vowel sound.
8. Molleur (Breton and French Canadian) - another variant, likely due to Breton or French influence in these regions.

Famous people with the last name Muller

Notable individuals with the surname Müller include:

1. Albert Einstein, a physicist who developed the theory of relativity and won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

2. Felix Müller, a German mathematician known for his work on algebraic geometry.

3. Boris Becker, a retired professional tennis player from Germany who won six Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal.

4. Thomas Müller, a current German footballer (soccer) playing for Bayern Munich and the German national team, known for his versatility on the field.

5. Edgar Müller, a German composer and conductor who is regarded as one of the leading contemporary composers in Europe.

6. Cindy Müller, a former American actress and model who starred in films such as "Ladies Man" and "The Great Buck Howard."

7. Jürgen Müller, a German politician who served as Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia from 1982 to 1998.

8. Max Müller, a German philologist and Orientalist who spent most of his life in Britain, known for his influential work on the study of Indian religions.

Genealogical research on the last name Muller

The surname Muller, originating from the Middle Ages, is a Germanic patronymic derived from the given name Müller, which means "mill worker" or "miller." It is one of the most common surnames in Germany and various parts of Europe due to its association with an essential occupation during medieval times. The name spread globally through migration waves, particularly to countries such as the United States, Brazil, South Africa, and Australia, where many descendants of German immigrants still bear this last name. In genealogical research, variations like Muller, Mulder, Mullers, Müller-Möller, Müller-Schmied, and Müller-Lück may be encountered, reflecting the regional and linguistic changes over time.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Mula (Last name)

surnames > mula

The surname Mula is of Spanish and Croatian origin. In Spain, it is derived from the place name Mulero, which was originally a location name denoting someone who lived in a place ...

Mulaala (Last name)

surnames > mulaala

The surname Mulaala is of African origin, specifically from the Bantu language group. It is believed to be of Swahili origin.

Mulabegović (Last name)

surnames > mulabegovi

The last name "Mulabegovi" is of Bosnian origin. It is derived from the Turkish word "mü'ali" meaning "exalted" or "noble", and the Arabic title "Beg" which was used to denote a c...

Mulac (Last name)

surnames > mulac

The surname Mulac is believed to have origins in Croatia, specifically the Dalmatian region. It's a patronymic surname derived from the given name Mula or Milo, which were common n...

Mulach (Last name)

surnames > mulach

The last name Mulach is of Polish origin. It is derived from the given name "Mula," which means "to grind" or "to crush" in Polish. Over time, the surname Mulach likely evolved fro...

Mulachery (Last name)

surnames > mulachery

The surname "Mulachery" is of Indian origin and is commonly found in the state of Kerala. It is believed to have originated from the place name "Mulacherry," which is a town or vil...

Mulacho (Last name)

surnames > mulacho

The last name "Mulacho" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "mulatto," which historically referred to a person of mixed African and European descent. This surname lik...

Muladu (Last name)

surnames > muladu

The last name "Muladu" is of African origin. It is derived from the Amharic word "mulatu," which means king or ruler.

Mulafer (Last name)

surnames > mulafer

The last name Mulafer is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "mulinvar" or "müller" meaning "miller." It was likely an occupational surname given to someone...

Mulai (Last name)

surnames > mulai

The last name "Mulai" is of Arabic origin, derived from the term "mulei" which means "lord" or "master." It is often used as an honorific title in North Africa.

Mulaim (Last name)

surnames > mulaim

The origin of the last name "Mulaim" is Arabic. It is believed to be a surname derived from the given name "Muhammad".

Mulaji (Last name)

surnames > mulaji

The surname "Mulaji" is of African origin, specifically from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a common surname among the Luba people of the region. The exact meaning or sign...

Mulajim (Last name)

surnames > mulajim

The last name "Mulajim" is of Arabic origin, derived from the word "mulajim" which means "interpreter" or "translator". This surname likely originally referred to individuals who w...

Mulak (Last name)

surnames > mulak

The last name Mulak is of Polish origin. It is derived from the Polish word "mula," which means mule. The surname Mulak likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who...

Mulakat (Last name)

surnames > mulakat

The surname "Mulakat" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Hindi word "mulakat" which means meeting or encounter. It is possible that this surname was originally given to fa...