Meyer 1

Type Surname (from occupation)
Usage German
Pronounced Pron. MIE-u  [key·IPA]

Meaning & History

From Middle High German meier meaning "bailiff, administrator", derived from Latin maior meaning "greater". Later it also denoted a tenant farmer. The spellings Meier and Meyer are more common in northern Germany while Maier and Mayer are more common in southern Germany.

Related Names

VariantsMaier, Mayer, Meier, Meyers
Other Languages & CulturesMeijer(Dutch) Mayer, Meyer, Meyers, Myers(English) Lemaire(French) Merino(Spanish)
Same SpellingMeyer 2, Meyer 3, Meyer 4

Categories

Barry Lyndon, German words, law, leadership, occupations
Entry updated June 13, 2019