Maier

Maier is a surname of German origin that is also found in Britain, mostly among individuals of German descent or as a result of historical migrations. The name Maier is derived from the Low German and Dutch word "meier," meaning a steward or overseer of an estate. It could also refer to the headman of a village or a mayor in some contexts.

The spelling "Maier" is more common in southern Germany and Switzerland, while "Mayer" is the prevalent variation in the north of Germany. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Maier may have Anglicised the spelling to "Mayer" or other similar variations upon settling in Britain.

Famous bearers of the surname Maier include German photographer and artist Ellen Auerbach (née Rosenberg), who is known professionally as Ellen Auerbach-Maier, and the Austrian-born actor Klaus Maria Brandauer, whose birth name is Klaus Georg Steng. These individuals have achieved recognition in their respective fields, contributing to the diverse cultural tapestry associated with the surname Maier.

In Britain, individuals with the surname Maier may have ancestral ties to Germany or other parts of Europe, reflecting the rich history of migration and cultural exchange that characterises the British Isles. The surname Maier serves as a reminder of the enduring connections between different regions and people, embodying the diversity and heritage found within contemporary British society.

There are approximately 326 people named Maier in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Maier.

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Germany

Language of origin: German

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andreas
  • Andrew
  • Daniel
  • Herman
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Simon
  • Stefan
  • Steven
  • Thomas

Female

  • Andrea
  • Anne
  • Augusta
  • Barbara
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Heidi
  • Jane
  • Jessica
  • Karen
  • Karyn
  • Laura
  • Monika
  • Nicola
  • Wendy

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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