The village name 'Seer' is French in origin, and means 'dry or arid place'. In manorial rolls of 1223 it was called La Sere. The affix 'Green' came later.
Along with its neighbour Jordans Seer Green was once a hamlet in the parish of Chalfont St Giles, though was separated in the Twentieth century because of its growth in size. While part of Chalfont St Giles it was home to John Milton, and was the location where Paradise Lost was completed. His cottage is still located in the village, and is owned by the National Trust.
In the Seventeenth century Jordans (which is still located in Chalfont St Giles parish) became a centre in England for Quakerism. One of the oldest Quakers' Meeting Houses in the country is located here.