Surname Millikin - Meaning and Origin

Millikin: What does the surname Millikin mean?

The surname Millikin is of Scottish origin, deriving from the Scottish Gaelic name Maolagan, which means “little bald one” or “little tonsured one”. This name was primarily used as a nickname or a personal name before it became a family name. It is also considered a patronymic name, meaning it was originally derived from the father's given name. The prefix "Maol" means 'devoted to' and was often used to identify devotees to a particular saint or religious figure. The diminutive suffix "-kin" denotes 'little' or 'small', hence the full meaning of “little devoted one” can be suggested. Given its history and origin, the name Millikin may indicate a family lineage connected to religious devotion or servitude in Scotland. It’s important to note that variations of the surname exist due to regional accents and phonetic spellings, including Milligan, Millican, and Milliken. Like many surnames, interpretations of its origins and meaning may vary.

Millikin: Where does the name Millikin come from?

The surname Millikin is of English and Scottish origin. It traces its roots back to Middle English and Old Norse, stemming from a diminutive of the personal name Millicent or the word "mikel," meaning great. It can also be a patronymic name, descending from the Gaelic name "Mac Maoláin". Thus, the name Millikin would mean 'descendant of Maolán', an old Irish name meaning "devotee" (of a saint).

The Millikin surname, like many surnames, has been altered over time with various spellings, such as Mullikin, Milliken, Milligan and more.

Today, the surname Millikin is not particularly common in any specific region. However, you are most likely to encounter this surname in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Its highest relative prevalence may occur in the United States due to migration patterns over the centuries. Still, it's important to note that this is based on current available data, and migrations can have spread this surname to multiple parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Millikin

The surname Millikin originates from Ireland and is typically Anglicized from the native Irish O Maolagain. Over the years, various spellings, variants and mutations of the surname have come into existence, influenced by phonetics, regional accents, and cultural shifts.

Several spellings of the surname Millikin include Mulligan, Milliken, Milikin, Milligan, Millikin, Muligan, Miligan, Mullikin, Millican, Mellican, Mellekan and Mellikan. Besides, the name can also be spelled as Milikens, Mullikens or Millicens, especially in Scotland and northern England, where the suffix ‘ens’ was used to denote kinship.

In some cases, prefixes were added to the surname leading to variations such as “McMillikin” or “O’Millikin” signifying 'son of' or 'descendant of' Millikin respectively.

An example of variation is "Mullican", which is of the same origin and maintains the phonetical constitution of its root name, but displays a distinct regional influence.

In addition, the name Milliken (and its derivatives) are surnames of Scottish origin that was often used interchangeably with Millikin in history.

Each variant of the surname carries a history of geographical and cultural influence, making them unique yet interconnected.

Famous people with the name Millikin

• Oliver Millikin: Oliver is an American actor whose most notable roles have been in series such as Scrubs, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Get Out.
• Dallas Millikin: Dallas was a professional dancer who choreographed for, and appeared on, the television show So You Think You Can Dance.
• Bill Millikin: Bill Millikin was a professional American football player who played for the Cleveland Browns and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection during his career.
• Pat Millikin: Pat Millikin was an American basketball player who played for the Minnesota Timberwolves before retiring in 2017.
• Robert Millikin: Robert Millikin was a Major League Baseball player and spent most of his career playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.
• Peggy Millikin: Peggy Millikin was a prolific American artist who focused mainly on colored abstract expressionism and is best known for her works The Four and The Forest.
• Tom Millikin: Tom Millikin was a college football player who attended the University of Illinois and played for the Fighting Illini.
• Mike Millikin: Mike Millikin was an American journalist who wrote for the Los Angeles Times and was also an editor for the Associated Press.
• George Millikin: George Millikin was an American politician and lawyer who served as a U.S. Senator from Colorado.
• Frank Millikin: Frank Millikin was an American football player who attended Ohio State University and played for the Buckeyes.

Other surnames

MillikanMilliken