Last Name Meador

The surname "Meador" has multiple possible origins. 1. English: It is derived from the Old English word "mead" or "mede," which means a meadow or a mead (a field of grass or hay). It could be a topographic surname given to someone who lived near a meadow or had land in that area. 2. Irish: "Meador" can be an anglicized form of the Irish surname "Ó'Meadhra," meaning "descendant of Meadhrach." The Gaelic name "Meadhrach" comes from "meidhreach," which signifies merry or mirthful. 3. Jewish: In some cases, "Meador" can be a variant of the Jewish surname "Mednick" or "Mednik." These surnames have Ashkenazi Jewish origins and may have been related to the names of towns in Eastern Europe. It is essential to note that surnames can have different origins and variations, so the specific origin of the surname "Meador" may vary depending on the individual or family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meador

The meaning and origin of the last name Meador

The surname Meador is derived from the Old French word "medor" or "miedor." It is believed to have originated as a nickname given to a person who was known for being meek or submissive. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname for someone who had a dog-like appearance or characteristics, as "medor" also referred to a small breed of dog. The surname Meador was possibly brought to England by the Normans during the 11th century, with variations such as Meader or Meeder also emerging over time. As people with this surname migrated to other English-speaking countries, variations in spelling and pronunciation further developed. Today, individuals bearing the surname Meador can be found across the United States, particularly in Texas, as well as in Canada and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meador

The last name Meador is primarily found in the United States, particularly in the southern states. It is believed to have originated from England, and many individuals with the surname Meador can trace their ancestry back to English settlers who migrated to America in the 17th and 18th centuries. Within the United States, the highest concentration of Meadors can be found in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. Texas, in particular, has a significant Meador population, possibly due to the state's historical ties to early English settlements. Other states with notable Meador populations include Tennessee, Virginia, and Alabama. Outside of the United States, the Meador surname is less common, but it can occasionally be found in countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, often through descendants of American immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meador

The last name Meador has several variations and alternative spellings that have evolved over time. Some common variations of Meador include Meder, Meeder, Medder, and Meadore. These alternative spellings often arose due to phonetic changes or regional accents. For instance, individuals with a southern accent or dialect may pronounce and spell the name as Meeder or Meadore. In addition, surname variations might have been influenced by migration patterns or different branches of the family. Over the years, certain families may have adopted different spellings to distinguish themselves from others with the same or similar surname. It is worth noting that variations in spelling can also originate from clerical errors or mistakes made during the recording of vital records. Despite these variations and spellings, all generally trace back to the core surname Meador, providing various alternatives for members of the Meador family.

Famous people with the last name Meador

Although the last name Meador may not be as widely recognized as some other surnames, there are still notable individuals who carry this name. One such person is Robert Lee Meador Jr., a former Major League Baseball player who was a shortstop and second baseman for the Cleveland Indians and Washington Senators in the 1950s and 1960s. Meador made a significant impact in the sports world, showcasing his talent and dedication to the game. Another individual worth mentioning is Mary Kathleen Meador, an American actress who starred in various TV shows and films in the 1960s. Meador gained recognition for her performances in popular productions such as "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "Mission: Impossible." Her contributions to the entertainment industry further highlight the diversity of talent within the Meador name. While these Meadors may not be household names, their achievements in their respective fields demonstrate the influence and impact that individuals with this last name can have on the world around them.

Genealogical research on the last name Meador

The surname Meador is a variant spelling of the English surname "Meadows," which originated from the Old English word "mædwe" meaning meadow or pasture. The earliest known records of the Meador family trace back to the 16th century in England. It is believed that the Meadors migrated to North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. Several Meador families settled in Virginia, particularly in the counties of Buckingham and Essex. Over time, the family expanded and spread to other states such as Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas. Genealogical research indicates that the Meador surname has diverse origins, with some Meadors tracing their roots to Irish and Scottish ancestry. Today, the Meador surname continues to be found in various parts of the United States, and genealogists are actively pursuing research to uncover more information about the Meador family history and its branches.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Meador"
• 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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