Miller Hill, County Down

Background

The name of this townland does not appear to be recorded prior to the Ordnance Survey Name Book in c.1830. It would seem likely, therefore, that this is a relatively late name coined by English speakers which replaced an earlier name.  It should be borne in mind, however, that Miller Hill may be a translation of an earlier Irish name, especially if the forms for Millisle (also in this parish) which seem to represent Baile an Mhuilinn, ‘town of the mill’ are authentic.  However, there is no trace of an anglicized Irish form for Miller Hill in the historical sources. 

Alternatively, it may be a name that was newly created in English or imported by English speakers.  There are two instances of Miller Hill in Cumbria (near Bootle, near Brampton) and a third on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

References

Hannan R. J. (1992): Place-Names of Northern Ireland vol. 2 p. 194; with additions PT, 2012.

Additional Information

Historical name form

Old Form	Ref. Date	Reference
Millar Hill	1830c	Tythes Applot. (OSNB) E 167, E 24
Miller Hill	1830c	Bnd. Sur. (OSNB) E 167, E 24

Barony

Ards Lower

Parish

Donaghadee

Parish in 1851

Donaghadee

Townland

None

Place name ID

17542

Place name type

T