Millard is an English masculine given name derived from an occupational surname. The surname Millard originated from Old English mylenweard, meaning "guardian of the mill" or "mill keeper." It was used to denote someone who operated or oversaw a mill, combining mylen (mill) and weard (guard). As a given name, Millard gained prominence in the 19th century. Notable Bearers The most famous bearer is Millard Fillmore (1800–1874), the 13th president of the United States. Other notable individuals include politicians such as Millard Caldwell (1897–1984), governor of Florida, and Millard Tydings (1890–1961), U.S. senator from Maryland. In business, Mickey Drexler (born Millard S. Drexler, 1944) is a renowned retail executive. Influential actors named Millard include Millard Mitchell (1903–1953) and Millard Kaufman (1917–2009), while theologian Millard Erickson (born 1932) is a widely read author on Christian doctrine. Olympic sprinter Millard Hampton (born 1956) won a gold medal in the 4×100-meter relay at the 1976 Summer Games. General Millard Harmon (1888–1945) served as a lieutenant general in World War II. Cultural Significance Although not broadly common, Millard remains recognized due to Millard Fillmore's presidential legacy. It was most popular in the 1800s and early 1900s, its usage declining thereafter. The name's occupational roots, alongside related surnames such as Miller and Millman, place it within the category of English trade names like Baxter, Taylor, or Smith. Popularity Millard peaked in the U.S. rankings in the 1880s but is now rarely given to newborns. A notable fictional Millard appears in Georges Simenon's The Saint-Fiacre Affair, but no major cultural trends have revived the name. Meaning: "guardian of the mill" Origin: English Type: Occupational surname used as given name Usage Regions: Primarily United States, also English-speaking countries