Last Name Maizner

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maizner

The meaning and origin of the last name Maizner

The surname Maizner is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish word "meyzne," which means "mill." The name's etymology suggests that an ancestor was involved in the operation or ownership of a flour mill. It is one of several Jewish surnames that describe a profession or place of residence. Over time, variations in spelling and translation have resulted in numerous forms of the name, including Maisner, Maizner-Leffmann, Mayzner, and others. The name's popularity has been influenced by historical events such as Jewish migrations, particularly from Eastern Europe to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maizner

The surname Maizner is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, specifically within Jewish communities that originated from Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. Significant numbers of people bearing this name can also be traced to the United States, Israel, and other countries that experienced large-scale immigration from Eastern Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, the highest concentrations of Maizners are found in New York and Pennsylvania, particularly in urban areas with a strong Jewish population like New York City and Philadelphia. In Israel, Maizner is present throughout the country but is more prevalent in the larger cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. The distribution of this surname reflects historical patterns of Jewish migration and settlement over several centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maizner

The surname Maizner can be found with various spelling and pronunciation variations due to phonetic and regional differences over time. Some common variations include Mayzner, Majzner, Meizner, Maysner, and Maisner. These variations may stem from different transliterations of the name from its original language, or from changes in spelling conventions over time. The name is most commonly thought to be of Jewish origin, with possible roots in Eastern Europe. Despite these variations, the underlying meaning of the name remains consistent, which is derived from the Yiddish word "mazhn" (maize), referring to corn. It is important to note that while these variations exist, it is essential to use the spelling that an individual prefers when addressing them, as surnames often carry personal and cultural significance.

Famous people with the last name Maizner

Notable individuals with the surname Maizner include:

1. **Max Maizner**: An American engineer and entrepreneur, he co-founded MongoDB, an open-source document-oriented database program. Prior to this, he worked at Google and Facebook.

2. **Aaron Maizner**: A concert violist based in New York City, Aaron Maizner is known for his work with the Silk Road Ensemble founded by Yo-Yo Ma. He has also performed with various orchestras worldwide.

3. **Marcela Maizner**: An Israeli actress and model, she won the Miss Israel title in 2006 and represented Israel at the Miss Universe pageant the same year. She has appeared in several Israeli TV shows and movies.

4. **Joshua Maizler**, often misrepresented as Maizner, is an American political commentator and writer who contributes to The Nation, Salon, Jacobin Magazine, and other publications. He also wrote the book "The Fight for Fifteen: The Right Wage Against Poverty Wages".

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning technology, music, acting, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Maizner

The surname Maizner is predominantly of Jewish origin, with roots tracing back to Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Russia. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name is Yitzhak Meysn, born around 1740 in Poland. Over time, variations such as Mayzner, Meyzner, Meizner, and Maisner emerged due to differences in spelling and translation. The family migrated from Eastern Europe to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in New York City and other urban areas with significant Jewish populations. Notable figures bearing the Maizner surname include Samuel Maizler, a British mathematician, and Arye Maizlish, an Israeli politician. Genealogical research on the Maizner family can be traced through various online databases such as Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Geni.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maizner"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025