MEIER
Meier
Meier is a surname of German origin that has also been adopted by families of Swiss, Austrian, and Ashkenazi Jewish descent. The name is derived from the Germanic word "meier," meaning "mayor" or "steward."
Origins:
The Meier surname likely originated as a occupational name for someone who was a steward, bailiff, or overseer on a large estate or manor. In some cases, it may have specifically referred to the mayor of a village or town.
Distribution:
The Meier surname is prominent in Germany, with significant populations in the regions of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Over time, the name has spread to other German-speaking countries such as Switzerland and Austria.
Notable Individuals:
- Margarete Meier-Röntgen (1898–1969) - A German artist known for her expressionist paintings and woodcuts.
- Wolfgang Meier (b. 1967) - An Austrian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
- Simon Meier (b. 1985) - A Swiss entrepreneur and co-founder of a successful tech startup.
Variants:
Variants of the Meier surname include Meyer, Mayer, Maier, and Mayr. These variations are often the result of regional dialects and historical spelling conventions.
Coat of Arms:
The Meier surname is associated with various coat of arms designs. Common elements include symbols like shields, lions, eagles, and oak branches, reflecting the family's heritage and status.
In conclusion, the Meier surname holds significant historical and cultural significance within Germanic regions, with variations of the name proliferating in neighbouring countries and Jewish communities.
There are approximately 480 people named Meier in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Meier.
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: Germany
Language of origin: German
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andreas
- Daniel
- David
- James
- John
- Jonathan
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Peter
- Philip
- Richard
- Robert
- Wolfgang
Female
- Angela
- Barbara
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Fiona
- Jennifer
- Joanna
- Kathleen
- Laura
- Lina
- Natalie
- Petra
- Victoria
- Yael
Similar and related surnames
- Maar
- Maeer
- Maeers
- Maer
- Maers
- Magher
- Mahan
- Mahar
- Maher
- Maiara
- Maier
- Maiers
- Maieru
- Maior
- Mair
- Maiyer
- Maor
- Mara
- Marr
- Mauer
- Maur
- Mawer
- Mayer
- Mayere
- Mayers
- Mayier
- Meagher
- Meayers
- Meears
- Meer
- Meera
- Meere
- Meeri
- Meher
- Meiere
- Meiers
- Meir
- Meira
- Meire
- Meiri
- Mereu
- Meria
- Merie
- Merrie
- Meur
- Meurs
- Meyer
- Meyern
- Meyers
- Meyor
- Meyors
- Mier
- Miera
- Moar
- Mohr
- Moore
- Murie
- Murrie
- Myrie
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.