Millicent is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the Old German words "mil" meaning "work" and "kint" meaning "child" or "kin". The name's meaning is interpreted as "hardworking child" or "diligent child". It gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages, initially as a surname.

The earliest recorded use of the name Millicent dates back to the 12th century. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Millicent de Gournay, a Norman noblewoman who lived in the late 12th century. She was the wife of Roger de Beaumont, Earl of Warwick.

In the 13th century, Millicent Plantagenet, Princess of Wales, was a notable figure who bore the name. She was the daughter of King John of England and his first wife, Isabella of Angoulême. Millicent Plantagenet was born around 1210 and married John de Montfort, Lord of Monmouth, in 1228.

During the 16th century, Millicent Bulstrode (c. 1535 - c. 1585) was an English gentlewoman and landowner. She was the daughter of Sir Richard Bulstrode and inherited significant estates in Buckinghamshire and Middlesex.

In the 17th century, Millicent Fawcett (1847 - 1929) was a prominent British feminist, intellectual, and leader of the Constitutional Suffrage movement. She played a pivotal role in the campaign for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom.

Another notable bearer of the name was Millicent Garrett Fawcett (1879 - 1919), the daughter of Millicent Fawcett. She was a British mathematician and writer, known for her work in promoting women's education and advocating for women's rights.

While the name Millicent fell out of widespread use in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it experienced a revival in popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name's enduring appeal lies in its unique sound and historical significance.