Mayer Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Mayer has its origins in German, specifically from the word meaning 'steward' or 'bailiff.' Its language path includes forms from Old High German to Modern German. The name is associated with traits of leadership and authority. There is no significant biblical relevance. Mayer became popular in the 19th century, particularly among German emigrants, and has various variants such as Meier and Meyer.
The name Mayer is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Mayer has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Mayer' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3419th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3152nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2452nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3071st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2633rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2730th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2014th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 35406th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 15056th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Mayer' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Mayer"
Pronunciation
/ˈmeɪər/
Origin
German
Etymology
The name Mayer is derived from the Middle High German word 'meiger,' which means 'steward' or 'bailiff.' It was originally an occupational surname for someone who held a position of authority or management.
Meaning
steward, bailiff
Language Evolution
Old High German: Megari, Middle High German: Meiger, Modern German: Mayer
Historical Usage
Mayer gained popularity as a surname in Germany and among German-speaking populations in the 19th century, particularly during the period of mass emigration to the United States.
Variants & Derivatives
Meier, Meyer, Maier
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Mayer is perceived as a traditional name with German roots, often associated with reliability and leadership.
Famous People
Mayer Hawthorne, an American singer and songwriter, Mayer Amschel Rothschild, a prominent banking figure in the 18th century
Explore More Mayer Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Mayer"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Mayer"
"Mayer" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3419th of 7545 | 93 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3152nd of 6773 | 106 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2452nd of 7552 | 210 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3071st of 10718 | 175 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2633rd of 16616 | 374 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2730th of 24088 | 629 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2014th of 23106 | 875 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 35406th of 35406 | 5 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 15056th of 30306 | 54 |
Regional Popularity of "Mayer" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
91.44% 1261st/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
32.22% 783rd/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
26.59% 926th/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
17.65% 790th/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
15.38% 794th/5164 |
- | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
15.27% 685th/4487 |
53.28% 3635th/6822 |
59.66% 3744th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Mayer" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Mayer"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Mayer" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.