Surname Meier - Meaning and Origin

A Journey Into The Past: Unraveling My Surname 'Meier' Through iGENEA DNA Test

I undertook the iGENEA DNA test to explore my genetic roots and got an in-depth understanding of my surname 'Meier', its origin, the migration pattern of my ancestors, and connections with other Meiers worldwide.

C. Meier

Meier: What does the surname Meier mean?

The last name Meier is of German origin and it historically signified a high-ranking official or overseer in the Middle Ages. It was occupational, adopted by individuals who held this position or role. Meier derives from the Middle High German "meiger," meaning "higher or superior," linked to the Latin word "major." In some cases, it might also indicate a dairy farmer. Its equivalence in English would be similar to the occupation-based surnames like "Mayor" or "Mayer". It is worth highlighting that the surname Meier does not imply any specific race or religion and its usage is widespread across nations inhabited by people of German descent. In variations of spelling such as Mayer, Meyer, or Maier, it remains one of the most common surnames in Germany, Switzerland and the Upper Midwest regions of the United States.

Meier: Where does the name Meier come from?

The last name Meier is most common in German speaking countries, including in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also common in other parts of Europe, particularly in Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. The family name is also found in North and South America, especially in the US, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil, where many German immigrants settled. It is also found in parts of Australia and New Zealand.

Meier is a German occupational name, often translated as farmer or bailiff. It was originally grouped with a specific type of farming, which likely reflects its widespread usage as a family name. Over time, the term Meier has also come to refer to any influential local magistrate or member of the upper class. In Switzerland, the name is often associated with high-level public officials, as the title of Meier is granted to municipal mayors.

Outside of the German-speaking world, the name is often stylized as Meyer, Meyers, Maier, Mayer, Myer, Mayers and Maire, with the 'Meyers' variation being the most popular. As the family name continues to spread throughout the world, it is likely to take on different, localized versions in each region.

Variations of the surname Meier

Meier is a German surname, that can have a variety of spellings and variations depending on the region it originates from. It can also be spelled as Maier, Meierhofer, Maierhofer, Maierhof, Maierhofer, Meirer, Mayer, Mayerle, Meyerer, Mayr, Mayrhofer, Mayrholz, Mayringer, Meyr, Myer, or Meyringer.

The alternates for Meier largely depend on the origin of the family. For example, the variants of Meier from Switzerland are Mayer, Meyerhofer, Meyr, Mayrhofer, Myer, and Mayringer. Many families who have derived from Austria have the surnames Maierhofer, Maier, Maiers, and Meyerer. If the family originates from Germany, then possible surnames are Maier, Maierhofer, Mayer, Meyringer, Meierhofer, Meyerle, and Mayerle.

The surname is also quite common in the United States, where some of the variants found are Meyer, Myer, Meier, Meierhofer, Maier, and Mayer. Some people with the surname can also be found in Canada, where it may be spelt in a wider variety of ways such as Maierhofer, Meyer, Myer, Maier, Meierhofer, Mayr, or Mayer.

In most contexts, Meier is the accepted spelling. However, it is important to understand that variants of this surname often exist and relate to the origin of the family.

Famous people with the name Meier

• Charles Meier: Politician and current legislative member of the French Parliament.
• Dean Meier: American Football player who played for the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos.
• Michael Meier: German swimmer who participated in the Summer Olympics of 1912.
• Tina Meier: Founder of the Megan Meier Foundation which works to prevent cyber-bullying.
• Chantal Meier: Recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
• Hans Meier: Founder of the avant-garde art movement.
• Eric Meier: Professional snowboarder, he is a three-time Olympic medalist.
• Wilma Meier: German television actress, known for her dramatic roles.
• Julius Meier: American grocers and retailer founder, best known for Meier & Frank.
• Manfred Meier: German film composer who played for Hayao Miyazaki's work.
• Anton Meier: Swiss chef who won four Michelin stars for his restaurant.
• Alexandra Meier: German snowboarder, she participated in the 2006 Winter Olympics.
• Paul Meier: American opera singer and actor.
• David Meier: German tennis player, he has won four singles titles on the ATP Tour.
• Anita Meier: Member of the Miami based band of the same name.
• Henry Meier: Canadian actor, best known for his roles on The Flash and iZombie.
• Josie Meier: American contemporary artist known for her use of bold colors.
• Wolfgang Meier: German designer who won the 'Best Home' award for his architectural visions.
• Hans-Joachim Meier: German scientist and astronaut, known for his research on space technology.
• Leila Meier: Austrian painter whose works can be seen in the Vienna National Art Museum.

Other surnames

MeienburgMeierahrensMeierarendMeierarndMeiercordMeierdiercksMeierdierksMeierdirksMeierdreesMeierdreeßMeierebertMeiererMeierernstMeierewertMeierhansMeierheinrichMeierhenrichMeierhermMeierhoeferMeierhofMeierhoferMeierhöferMeierhoffMeierhuberMeieringMeierjohannMeierjuergenMeierjürgenMeierkordMeierkordt