Meir
Meir is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Giving light, illuminating.
Origin and history
Meir is a traditional masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'giving light' or 'one who illuminates'. It has deep historical roots in Rabbinic literature and Jewish tradition. In the United States, its usage has grown noticeably in recent years.
Popularity in the United States
4,612 babies in the United States have been named Meir since 1880. It ranks #1829 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #899.
States where it is most popular
- NY (64.2 %)
- NJ (28.8 %)
- CA (2.6 %)
- FL (2 %)
- MD (1.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 26 |
| 1960-1970 | 48 |
| 1970-1980 | 150 |
| 1980-1990 | 272 |
| 1990-2000 | 455 |
| 2000-2010 | 775 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,492 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,394 |
Famous people named Meir
- Meir Vilner: Politician
- Meir Kahane: Rabbi, Politician
Fun facts
- Rabbi Meir was one of the most prominent scholars and quoted sages of the Mishnaic period.
- More than a quarter of all published U.S. births for Meir since 1880 have occurred between 2020 and 2025.