NomOrigine Background

Last Name Meurer

What is the origin of the last name Meurer?

The surname Meurer is of Germanic origin. It comes from the Old High German 'meru', meaning 'famous' or 'distinguished'. Over time, it has been spelled various ways, such as Merner, Muer, Murer, etc., due to differences in pronunciation and orthography across regions. The name was often given to a child born during a period of great pride or accomplishment for the family, reflecting their status or achievements.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Meurer

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meurer

The meaning and origin of the last name Meurer

The surname Meurer is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "Murohari" or "Muorichar". These names are composed of the elements "mur(u)" meaning "wall" and "-harja", "-hard", or "-heri", indicating a warrior or protection. The surname Meurer is thought to have originated as an occupation name for a guard or fortifier. It was also used as a nickname for someone who lived near a defensive structure, such as a tower or city wall. Over time, the spelling of the name has varied due to regional differences and changes in pronunciation, resulting in variations such as Meurer, Mueller, Muller, Müller, etc. Today, the surname Meurer is primarily found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other Germanic-speaking regions. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe and in countries with significant populations of German immigrants, such as the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meurer

The surname Meurer has its origins primarily in Germany, where it is most prevalent due to historical population densities in regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Hesse. The name also appears in Switzerland, particularly in the German-speaking cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, and Zug. Outside Europe, descendants of German immigrants can be found bearing the surname Meurer in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil. In these locations, it is primarily found in areas with significant historical German immigration, such as the Midwestern states of the U.S., the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia in Canada, and the states of Victoria and New South Wales in Australia. Overall, Meurer is a predominantly German surname with dispersed occurrences in countries that received significant German immigration throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meurer

The surname Meurer possesses several variations and spellings. These include Meirer, Meyerur, Mayrer, Mairer, Merier, Mairuer, Meiwer, Meywir, Maierhur, Maeirer, Mairhur, among others. These variations may stem from regional dialects, historical influences, or errors during record-keeping and transcribing over time. The name is of German origin, with "Meur" being a common root, meaning "merchant" or "trader". It's important to note that the correct spelling of any name can often be traced back to the geographical location where it was originally recorded. For genealogical research purposes, one should consider these possible variations when seeking information about individuals with the Meurer surname.

Famous people with the last name Meurer

One notable individual with the surname Meuer is Johann Meier (also known as Johannes Meier), a German theologian and Catholic priest. He served as Professor Emeritus of New Testament Studies at the University of Tübingen. Meier is renowned for his work on the historical Jesus, particularly his book "A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus," a multi-volume study on the historical and cultural context of Jesus' life. Another famous figure with the name is Jürgen Meurer, a German businessman who co-founded the German discount retailer Lidl along with his brother. He served as its CEO from 1973 to 1983 and was instrumental in expanding the company across Europe.

Genealogical research on the last name Meurer

The surname Meurer, of German origin, is primarily found in regions including Bavaria and Swabia. It is derived from the Middle High German word "meierei," which means "dairy farm" or "milkhouse." Throughout history, several notable individuals bearing this name have emerged. In the 13th century, a Meurer family held significant influence in the town of Lengenfeld, Bavaria. As the centuries progressed, Meurers migrated to various parts of Europe and later, the Americas. For instance, Johann Conrad Meurer, born in Switzerland in 1748, immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1769 and established a thriving farming and lumber business. Today, the Meurer name is widespread globally, with notable descendants including artists, scientists, and politicians, reflecting its rich history and diversity.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Meule (Last name)

surnames > meule

The surname Meule is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "meule," which means a pile or heap of stones. This surname likely originated as an occupational name ...

Meurens (Last name)

surnames > meurens

The surname Meurens is of French origin. It is derived from various places with that name in France, primarily located in the departments of Hautes-Alpes and Drôme. The name could...