The origins of Milam

Hi Everyone,

I've been meaning to say this for ages but have not got round to it!

My surname is Milam which is very unusual here in the UK (my family members are always the only Milams listed in any phonebook!).

I've noticed during my time browsing here at IM that there is a Milam village and glacier in India and I also remember that when I was as a child my grandmother researched our family tree and discovered there may be a connection with India / Pakistan (never heard anymore details than that though).

Anyway, my question is:

Is Milam a well-known surname in India?.....and does anyone know if my family are named from the Milam region in India?

Any comments gratefully received and if you are a fellow Milam (probably a long shot!!) I'd love to hear from you!

Hi pookstar,

Sorry to inform you that Milam is not a well known surname in India. In fact, i have not heard it before. But, possibility is that, people of Milam village use Milam as their surname. This is quite common in India hilly area.



I would suggest you to pm some of our members:

Almoraboy: just returned from Milam

Jeroen: have been to there
Himadventures: knows everything about Himalayan region

Historically, full indian names were listed in the following format:

Location (family name) / Father's-First-Name / Person's First Name / Ancesteral Profession (caste)

When people had to adopt the western First Name/Last Name format, they were not consistent which of the three name they selected for this Last Name.

So Indian last names are usually derived from one of the above three attributes.

This is typical for western names too. Here are some examples

1. Ancesteral Profession - Smith (black smiths)
2. Ancesteral Location - Kingsley (person who lived on the King's Lea)
3. Father's First Name - Johnson (son of john)

so, Milam could very well be your ancesteral location.

hi Pookstar....

"Milam" was the largest settlement in the upper Johar Valley before 1962, but most of the houses in Milam are now deserted and have fallen into ruins. Now, Milam is famous among trekkers for it's beautiful glacier....

"Milam" is not a name/surname, but in old days the natives of this village were called "Milamwal" or "Milamwaal".

May be ur ancestors belong to this place..........

I don't know the origins of the name but I have Milam heritage. Below is my Grandmothers obituary. Not that it helps but it's been passed down that her side of the family has Irish heritage. Please let me know of any info you find in the future. I will do the same.

Steven - etian3780@yahoo.com

Minnie Pearl White 85, Indianapolis, formerly of Monroe County, KY, died May 14, 2007. She was born Dec. 9, 1921 in Monroe Co., KY, to Walter Milam and Bessie Murley Milam. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 18, 2007 in Yokley-Trible Funeral Home, Tompkinsville, KY. Burial will be in Old Mt. Herman Cemetery. Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Carrie White, Indianapolis, Billy and Karen White, Beech Grove, IN; daughters and sons-in-law, Mable and Gene Shirley, Glasgow, KY, Wanda and Winfrey Propes, Indianapolis, Lois White and Mike Pedigo, Indianapolis, Shirley Stevens, Indianapolis; brother, Carson Milam; 15 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; one great great grandchild.