This is a locational name 'at the mill-house' derived from the Medieval English 'mille' itself derived from the Olde English 'mylene' to grind. It was a name originally applied to one living beside a mill, or indeed, to the miller himself who would have inhabited the mill house or cottage. The mill was an important centre of activity in Medieval life and peasants regularly gathered there to have their corn ground into flour. One John Milnhouse, aged 36, immigrated to James City, Virginia, on the ship 'London Marchannt' in January 1624. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Henry del Melnehous. which was dated 1327 The Pipe Rolls of Derbyshire. during the reign of Edward 111 The Father of the Navy 1327 - 77. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.