Summary

The surname Mayer originates from Germany and is derived from the Middle High German word 'meier', meaning 'steward' or 'administrator'. It was often used to denote a person who served as the head of a manor or estate. The Mayer family has a rich history and has spread across various countries over time.
There are
39555
Mayers in the USA
Mayer is the
880th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Mayer

LouisB.

Louis B. Mayer was an American film producer and co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), one of the most successful film studios of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

WilliamMayer

William Mayer was an American composer known for his contributions to opera and orchestral music, with works such as 'A Death in the Family' and 'Amerika.'

OscarMayer

Oscar Mayer was a German-American entrepreneur and founder of the famous Oscar Mayer Company, known for its processed meat products, including the iconic Oscar Mayer hot dogs.

TheodoreMayer

Theodore Mayer was renowned for his contributions to the field of medical genetics, particularly in research and advancements related to chromosomal abnormalities.

MariaMayer

Maria Mayer was an Austrian-American physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics for her work on the nuclear shell model and the development of the theory of nuclear structure.

SaraMayer

Sara Mayer was a prominent fashion designer known for her innovative designs and contributions to the fashion industry, with her brand becoming internationally recognized.

JacobMayer

Jacob Mayer was a German-American businessman known for establishing one of the largest retail chains in the United States, with a focus on affordable and quality merchandise.

HelenaMayer

Helena Mayer was a German fencer who won a gold medal at the 1928 Olympic Games, becoming the first Jewish woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

LeopoldMayer

Leopold Mayer was a prominent banker and philanthropist who played a significant role in supporting social and educational initiatives, particularly in his hometown of Frankfurt.

VeraMayer

Vera Mayer was a Russian-born American poet and writer known for her lyrical and introspective works, often drawing inspiration from nature and the human experience.

Mayer Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Mayer' is of German and Jewish origin. It is a variant of the German surname 'Meier' or 'Maier,' which originally referred to a tenant farmer or supervisor of an estate.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Mayer' has a significant presence in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking regions. It is also found among Jewish communities worldwide.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Mayer' include 'Meyer,' 'Mayers,' 'Meyr,' 'Mayerfield,' 'Meyerson,' 'Mayerson,' 'Majer,' 'Mair,' 'Meyerowitz,' and 'Maier.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Mayer' have migrated and immigrated to various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Israel, among others, seeking new opportunities and fleeing persecution.