Meyer
Meyer is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Steward, bailiff, or bringer of light.
Origin and history
Meyer is a traditional surname used as a given name, derived from the Middle High German word for a steward or bailiff, or the Hebrew term for 'one who shines.' It has a long history of use in Germanic and Jewish communities and has maintained a steady presence in the U.S. as a classic, understated boy name.
Popularity in the United States
5,404 babies in the United States have been named Meyer since 1880. It ranks #1660 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1386.
States where it is most popular
- NY (65.9 %)
- PA (8.6 %)
- IL (7.2 %)
- NJ (6 %)
- CA (2.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 42 |
| 1890-1900 | 90 |
| 1900-1910 | 252 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,593 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,033 |
| 1930-1940 | 197 |
| 1940-1950 | 138 |
| 1950-1960 | 150 |
| 1960-1970 | 89 |
| 1970-1980 | 127 |
| 1980-1990 | 103 |
| 1990-2000 | 164 |
| 2000-2010 | 274 |
| 2010-2019 | 596 |
| 2020-2029 | 556 |
Famous people named Meyer
- Meyer Lansky: Financier
Fun facts
- The name has two distinct origins: a Germanic root meaning 'steward or landholder' and a Hebrew root meaning 'one who gives light.'
- Like many modern boys' names, Meyer originated primarily as an occupational or status surname before gaining use as a given name.