Millie

Millie is most commonly considered the English pet form of Mildred, but it could essentially be ascribed as a diminutive of any number of female names beginning with the “Mil-“ prefix (Millicent, Milagros, Mila, Milan, Milania, etc); or even names with the “mil” sound somewhere (such as Amelia, Camilla, Emily). However, Millie has always been most closely associated with Mildred which itself is an ancient Anglo-Saxon female name originally rendered as Mildþryð (meaning “gentle strength”) from the Olde English elements “milde” (gentle) and “þryð” (strength). The name was popularized in England around the 8th century thanks to a well known Anglo-Saxon abbess-turned-saint named Mildred. Born in the late 7th century, Mildred (or Mildþryð as she was known in Olde English) was the daughter and granddaughter of Anglo-Saxon kings. Her mother was also a saint and princess from Kent, England. Saint Mildred is remembered in England as a pious woman who demonstrated particular compassion for the widows, orphans and downtrodden. She was known for her humility and “gentle strength” (apparently the name fit). Her relics are now located at St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury and her Feast Day is May 18. Mildred remained a popular Anglo-Saxon name throughout England up until the 11th century Norman Conquest which is when it slowly fell out of favor. The name was revived again in the 19th century and the pet form Millie became a common independently given name in its own right. As far as the modern-day 21st century goes, well, Mildred is passé but Millie isn’t. Today Millie is a top favorite in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland.