Last Name Meader

The origin of the last name Meader is English. It is derived from the Old English word "maed," meaning "meadow" or "pasture," and the suffix "-er" which often denoted an occupation. Thus, Meader is likely to have originally referred to someone who lived or worked near a meadow or pasture.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Meader

The surname Meader is of English origin and has multiple possible meanings and origins. One possibility is that it is derived from the Old English word "maed," meaning "meadow" or "pasture," and the suffix "-er," which denoted someone who worked or lived near such a place. Therefore, Meader might have originally referred to someone who lived or worked near a meadow or pasture. Another potential origin is from the Middle English word "medere," meaning "to heal" or "healer," suggesting that Meader could have been an occupational name for someone working as a medical practitioner or herbalist. The surname may have also emerged as a variant of other similar surnames, such as Meadows or Meaderes, amongst others. Due to variations in spelling and the passage of time, the precise origin and meaning of the surname Meader may differ among individuals with the same name today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meader

The last name Meader has a relatively small geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the New England region. The state of Maine is significant in terms of Meader concentration, possibly due to early settlers who carried the name. Other states where the name is found in noticeable numbers include New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Outside of New England, there are scattered occurrences of the Meader name in states such as California, Texas, and Florida. Internationally, the name is less prevalent, but there are some individuals with the last name Meader in Canada, particularly in provinces like Ontario and Quebec. In summary, the geographical distribution of the last name Meader is predominantly centered in the United States with a strong presence in New England, but it is seen to a lesser extent in other parts of the country and in Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meader

The last name Meader has several variations and spellings. One common variation is Meeder, where the second "a" is replaced with an "e". Another variation is Meador, where the second "e" is replaced with an "o". Additionally, some individuals may spell it as Meade, dropping the ending "r" altogether. Other less common spelling variations include Meaders, Meadour, and Meedor. These variations and spellings may have originated from regional dialects or could be the result of different family branches adopting alternative spellings over time. It is worth noting that these variations do not change the origin or meaning of the name; they simply represent different ways this particular surname has been rendered. Regardless of these spelling differences, the core identity and heritage associated with the last name Meader remain intact.

Famous people with the last name Meader

There are not many famous people with the last name "Meader" in the public eye, but it is known that Dickie Meader made a significant impact in the field of comedy. Dickie Meader was an American comedian known for his skill in celebrity impersonations during the 1950s and 1960s. His unique ability to mimic famous personalities like John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Richard Nixon made him a popular entertainer. Meader reached the height of his career with his hilarious album "The First Family," a satire on the Kennedy family that won him a Grammy Award in 1963. Unfortunately, his success was short-lived, as the tragic assassination of President Kennedy made his impersonations sensitive subject matter. Despite fading from the limelight, Dickie Meader's contributions to comedy remain a significant part of American entertainment history.

Genealogical research on the last name Meader

The surname Meader is of English origin and has a long history dating back to at least the medieval period. The exact meaning of the name is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from Old English words such as "maede" meaning "meadow" or "mead," indicating someone who lived or worked near a meadow. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations including Meeder, Mead, Meador, and others. Genealogical research suggests that the Meader name has primarily been found in the southwestern regions of England, particularly in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. However, records also indicate that individuals bearing the Meader name have emigrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Tracking the family history of the Meader surname requires thorough examination of historical records such as birth, marriage, death certificates, census data, and immigration records. These documents can provide valuable information about the individuals bearing the name and their relationships to one another, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the Meader family's genealogy.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Meader"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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