Millie

Millie began as a shortened form of longer names, particularly Mildred and Millicent, and is also used as a complete given name. Its meaning depends on that connection: Mildred is traditionally interpreted as “gentle strength,” while Millicent is associated with strength in work. Millie does not have a separate literal meaning that replaces both histories.

The name’s cultural associations range from the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie to actress Millie Bobby Brown. A family can choose Millie on its own without committing to Mildred or Millicent, or use one of those longer names formally. Milly is another spelling of the same familiar short form. Names such as Mila and Milla share some sounds, but a similar sound alone does not make them interchangeable with Millie’s traditional origins.