Milton is an English given name derived from an English surname, which itself originates from a place name meaning "mill town" in Old English. The name combines the Old English elements mylen (mill) and tūn (enclosure, settlement, town).Cultural SignificanceThe surname Milton is most famously associated with the 17th-century poet John Milton (1608–1674), author of the epic poem Paradise Lost. His influence on English literature has cemented the name's place in cultural history. As a given name, Milton gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in English-speaking countries, though it has declined in recent decades.Global UsageMilton is also used in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries. In Portuguese, the variant Mílton (with an acute accent over the first i) is common. Notable bearers include Milton Friedman (1912–2006), an American economist; Milton Nascimento (born 1942), a Brazilian singer-songwriter; and Milton Santos (1926–2001), a Brazilian geographer. Among Americans, figures such as comedian Milton Berle (1908–2002) and toy maker Milton Bradley (1836–1911) are widely recognized.EtymologyThe English surname Milton comes from many towns and villages bearing the name in England, such as Milton in Kent, Oxfordshire, and elsewhere. These place names typically refer to a farmstead or village with a mill.Meaning: "mill town"Origin: Old English place name, later a surnameType: Given name derived from surnameUsage regions: English, Portuguese, Spanish