Last Name Mayer

The surname "Mayer" is of German and Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "meitere," meaning "mayor" or "magistrate." It may also be a variant of "Maier," which is an occupational name for a miller, derived from the Old High German word "magara" (mill) or the Middle High German word "meile" (grain). In Jewish contexts, it can be a metonymic occupational name for a scribe or official in a synagogue.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mayer

The meaning and origin of the last name Mayer

The surname "Mayer" is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word 'maior', which means 'major' or 'greater'. It was often given to someone who was considered important within their community, such as an elder or a landowner. The name may also have been a metonymic occupational surname for a mayor or magistrate, reflecting the person's role in local governance. Over time, it spread beyond Germany and is now found among populations in various parts of Europe and America, having been adopted by individuals who immigrated from German-speaking regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mayer

The surname Mayer is of German and Jewish origin, with significant concentrations found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other parts of Central Europe. Its distribution extends beyond Europe to the United States, Canada, and Israel, due to migration waves over centuries. In the United States, the highest concentration can be found in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California. In Canada, Ontario and Quebec have the largest number of Mayers. In Israel, it is prevalent in cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Ashdod due to European Jewish immigration. The surname Mayer is also present in various South American countries with significant German or Jewish populations, such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mayer

The surname Mayer is of German origin and has several variations in spelling due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common versions include: Mayer, Maier, Maeir, Maiher, Meier, Meyer, Mäier, Mähler. In some cases, there might be slight changes such as adding an extra 'a' (Maaier), using the more traditional "long e" sound (Meiyer), or using a double consonant for emphasis (Mayyor). Furthermore, diacritics can also be omitted from certain European languages, leading to variations like Maeir without the umlaut. It is important to note that while these spellings are similar, they may be pronounced differently depending on regional dialects and language origins.

Famous people with the last name Mayer

Notable individuals bearing the surname Mayer include:

1. Jerry Lee Lewis, known as "The Killer," an American singer-songwriter and pianist, is a pioneer of rock and roll music with hits like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On."
2. Ariana Grande-Butera, professionally known as Ariana Grande, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She began her career in the Broadway musical 13 before gaining fame on the Nickelodeon television series Victorious. Her success continues with popular singles such as "Thank U, Next" and "7 Rings."
3. Thomas Mayer is a German economist who has held various roles at the Deutsche Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He currently serves as a Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank (ECB) since 2019.
4. Richard C. Mayer, an American educational psychologist, is known for his work in learning psychology, particularly in multimedia learning and cognitive theory. He has won numerous awards for his research and contributions to the field of education.
5. Isaac Merritt Silliman Mayer (I.M. Silliman Mayer) was a notable American physician and surgeon who made significant advancements in the field of ophthalmology during the 19th century, including co-founding the first school for the training of American optometrists.
6. Richard Mayer, born 1952, is an American cognitive psychologist and educational researcher known for his work on multimedia learning, collaborative knowledge building, and intelligent tutoring systems. He has published numerous articles in these areas and is a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Genealogical research on the last name Mayer

The surname Mayer originated from Germany, stemming primarily from Bavaria and Swabia regions. It is an occupational name for a mason or stonecutter, derived from the Middle High German "meister," meaning master or artisan, and "stein," meaning stone. Notable individuals with this surname include Heinrich Mayer (16th century), who was a mathematician and physician; Moritz Mayer (1820-1907), a prominent Jewish banker in Germany; and Michael Mayer (1883-1954), an American film producer. The family Mayer has also been influential in the United States, with branches like the Mayer Brothers, who were prominent department store owners in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mayer"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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