Million

The surname Million originated in England during the late medieval period, likely derived from an Old English or Anglo-Norman word referring to a person's occupation or status. Some linguists trace its roots to the Old French word "milion," which meant a wealthy or prominent individual. Others suggest it may have evolved from the Old English term "milun," meaning a freeman or privileged person.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire from 1195, which mentions a John Million as a landowner. The name also appears in the Curia Regis Rolls of 1201, which lists a William Million as a defendant in a legal case.

During the 13th century, the name Million began to spread across various regions of England, with references appearing in historical records from counties such as Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, and Oxfordshire. Notable examples include John Million, a merchant from Bristol who was granted a royal charter in 1285, and Robert Million, a cleric from Oxford who is mentioned in university records from 1298.

The Hundred Rolls of 1273, a survey of landholdings across England, includes several entries for individuals with the surname Million, indicating their presence in various parts of the country. One such entry records a Thomas Million as holding lands in the village of Stoke in Gloucestershire.

In the 14th century, the name Million continued to gain prominence, with several notable individuals bearing the surname. One of the most significant figures was Sir John Million, a knight from Lincolnshire who served in the retinue of King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War. He participated in the Battle of Crécy in 1346 and was later granted lands in Northamptonshire for his loyal service.

Another notable figure from this period was William Million, a wool merchant from London who rose to become a prominent member of the city's guilds and served as an alderman in the 1360s. His success in trade and civic affairs helped further establish the Million name among the merchant class of medieval England.

As the surname spread across England, it also underwent various spelling variations, including Milion, Millyon, and Millioun, reflecting the fluid nature of surname spellings in earlier centuries. Some of these variations can be found in historical records, such as the court rolls of Essex from the 15th century, which mention a John Millioun as a landowner.