'Milton' originates from Old English, specifically the elements 'mylen' and 'tūn', where 'mylen' meant 'mill' and 'tūn' meant 'settlement'.

'Milton' changed from the Old English compound 'mylen-tūn' to the Middle English place-name 'Milton' and eventually became the modern English surname 'Milton'.

Initially, it meant 'mill settlement', but over time it evolved into its current use as a place-name and a family name.