Surname Meyer - Meaning and Origin
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read moreMeyer: What does the surname Meyer mean?
Meyer is a name of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "meiger," meaning "higher or superior." It was often used to describe someone of status, such as a steward, bailiff, or mayor, effectively signifying a person in a position of authority or leadership. In a broader context, it could also refer to a peasant farmer or a man of means who owned land. The name Meyer underwent various spelling changes with emigrations, adaptations, and evolutions of languages, resulting in variants like Mayer or Meier. It is important to note that the interpretation of the name Meyer can differ based on regional, cultural, and historical contexts. However, generally, it represents a person who possesses a level of prominence, power, or command within their respective community or occupation.
Order DNA origin analysisMeyer: Where does the name Meyer come from?
The last name Meyer is most prevalent today in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and the United States. It is one of the most popular surnames in Germany, ranking at 32 out of the top 100 last names in the country. It is also a top 30 last name in Denmark.
In the United States, the last name Meyer is found in significant numbers throughout the country and is the 78th-most-common surname there. It is particularly common in states such as Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Wisconsin, as well as in metropolitan areas such as Milwaukee and St. Louis.
Meyer is an old German surname that derives from the word meiger, meaning steward or caretaker. It is likely that the first person to receive this surname was a financial manager of a medieval estate. Over the centuries, the last name has spread throughout Europe and beyond, and today can be found in many countries around the world.
Today, many famous people bear the last name Meyer, including billionaire philanthropist Bill Meyer, singer-songwriter Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump, and former first lady Nancy Reagan.
Variations of the surname Meyer
The surname Meyer is of German and Jewish origin, and its variants and spelling variations vary depending on the geographical area. Some of these variants and spellings include Meijer, Meier, Mayer, Major, Majer, Meierhofer, Mayers, Maier, Meyers, and Myer.
The German variant of Meyer is derived from the Middle High German word meiger or meigerin, which means a mayor or bailiff. This variant was initially popular among the ruler or mayor of a town or village. Additionally, this surname was also adopted by individuals who were employed by a member of the nobility, or who were elected town mayors.
The Jewish variant of Meyer has different origins. In Ashkenazi Jewish communities, the surname generally derived from the Yiddish term meyer or meye, which was used to refer to individuals who were qualified to serve as ritual slaughterers or shochetim.
Elsewhere, the Jewish surname can also derive from the Russian word myer, which means to stay or rest. Alternatively, the Jewish version of the surname can be adopted from the name of the Biblical figure Meir, in which case the surname would be adapted to fit the corresponding language and pronunciation of the region.
In conclusion, the surname Meyer has a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, all of which vary depending on the language and geographical area.
Famous people with the name Meyer
- Oscar Meyer: Famous hot dog entrepreneur who founded his namesake processed meat company Oscar Mayer.
- John Meyer: American business magnate and philanthropist who founded the real estate investment firm Meyer Group and Meyer Development Corporation.
- Ryan Meyer: Actor and director who has appeared on shows such as Castle and Bones.
- Bill Meyer: Former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians.
- Dan Meyer: Math educator and author who developed the 3-act math teaching approach, and the founder of the US-based consultancy firm Desmos.
- August Meyer: Former mayor of Kansas City, Missouri from 1905–1907 and a co-founder of Commonwealth Trust Company.
- Frederick Meyer: German theologian, philosopher, and psychologist who presaged modern existentialism.
- Stephenie Meyer: American novelist and film producer best known for writing the Twilight series of vampire romance novels.
- Meer Meyer: Polish-American movie studio executive and owner of Meer Meyer Pictures.
- Heidi Meyer: American classical violinist who has toured and performed with the St. Louis Symphony, and has frequently played in chamber music groups.