Millar Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Millar Origin:
England

Origins of Millar:
It is an Anglo-Saxon professional name acquired from the Olde English pre 7th Century “mylnere” meaning the “operator of the mill.” The mill was an important center in every old settlement, where peasants gathered to have their corn ground into flour.  The Miller often kept a balance of the ground corn by way of payment.  The surname from this source first noted towards the end of the 13th Century and appeared in the records of every division in England. One John le Mellere noted in the Writs of Parliament, circa 1300.

Variations:
More common variations are: Milliar, Millare, Millear, Meillar, Millarr, Millara, Millyar, Millair, Millary, Millari.

England:
The surname Millar first appeared in Dumfriesshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Dhun Phris), a Southern area, bordering on England that today forms part of the Dumfries and Galloway Cabinet Area, where the Millar family held a family seat from old times.

The very first recording spelling of the family was shown to be that of Ralph Muller, dated 1296, in the ” Premium roll of Sussex.” It was during the reign of King Edward 1st, who was known as ” The Hammer of the Scots,” dated 1272-1307.  Surname all over the country became a necessity with the introduction of personal taxation.  It came to be known as Poll Tax in England.  Surnames all over the country began to develop with unique and shocking spelling varieties of the original one.

Ireland:
Many of the people with surname Millar had moved to Ireland during the 17th century.

United States of America:
Individuals with the surname Millar landed in the United States in two different centuries respectively in the 18th, and 19th. Some of the people with the name Millar who arrived in the United States in the 18th century included Daniel Millar, who settled in Maryland in 1714.  Daniel Millar, who landed in Maryland in 1714.  Maria Madlena Millar, aged 26, arrived in Pennsylvania in 1733.  Abraham Millar, aged 22, arrived in Pennsylvania in 1733.

The following century saw more Millar surnames arrive.  Some of the people with the surname Millar who arrived in the United States in the 19th century included Alexander Millar, who landed in New York in 1805.  Hugh Millar, who immigrated to New York in 1806.

Canada:
People with the surname Millar who landed in the Canada in the 18th century included John Millar, who arrived in St. john’s, Newfoundland in 1705.  Patrick Millar, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749.

The following century saw much more Millar surnames arrive.  Some of the people with the surname Miller who came in the Canada in the 19th century included Alexander Millar, who emigrated from Scotland to Montreal in 1825.

Australia:
Some of the individuals with the surname Millar who landed in Australia in the 19th century included James Millar, Scottish convict from Aberdeen, who was transported aboard the “America” on April 4, 1829, settling in New South Wales, Australia.  John Millar, aged 29, arrived in South Australia in 1849 aboard the ship “Emily.”  John Millar, aged 28, arrived in South Australia in 1850 aboard the ship “Sultana.”  Robina Millar, aged 28, a farm servant, arrived in South Australia in 1850 aboard the ship “Joseph Soames.”  Jane Millar, aged 22, a maid, arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship “Joseph Somes” in 1850.

New-Zealand:
Some of the population with the surname Millar who arrived in New Zealand in the 19th century included Allen Millar arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship “Lord Burleigh” in 1856.  Robert Millar arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship “Lord Burleigh” in 1856.  Janet Millar arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship “Lord Burleigh” in 1856.  John Millar arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship “Seringapatarn” in 1856.  Mary Millar arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship “Seringapatam” in 1856.

Here is the population distribution of the last name Millar:
England 11,411; United States 8,128; Canada 6,713; Scotland 6,530; Australia 6,157; South Africa 5,278; Chile 4,821; Northern Ireland 4,197; Philippines 3,996; New Zealand 2,854.

Notable People:
Alan Millar (born 1947), is an old Head of Philosophy at the University of Stirling.
Alex Millar (born 1985), is a British professional poker player.
Andrew Millar (1707–1768), was a British publisher and bookseller.
Blair Millar (born 1956), is a Scottish football player.
Brian Millar (born 1966), is an Irish cricket player.
Charles Vance Millar (1853–1926), was a Canadian lawyer and financier.
Chris Millar (born 1983), is a Scottish footballer.

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

1) Motto—Felicem reddet religio. Ar. a cross moline gu. Crest—Three ears of wheat issuing or. Another Crest—A dexter hand holding an open book ppr.
2) (James Ogilvy Millar, LL.D., Vicar of Cirencester, 1873). Motto—Keep tryst and trust. Ar. a cross moline gu. in chief a lion ramp. guard. of the second, imperially crowned or, betw. two lozenges also of the second. Crest—The half-length figure of a lady affrontee, vested az. holding before her a portcullis gu.