Mayer is a surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'meier', which means 'farmer' or 'mayor'. It is believed to have originated as an occupational name for a farmer or a mayor, or less often, a variant of the personal name Maher. The name Mayer is also associated with the Jewish given name 'Meyer', which means 'light' or 'enlightener'.
The surname Mayer has been widely dispersed throughout Europe over centuries, due to migration and colonization. Today, it is most prevalent in Germany, France, and Austria. However, it can also be found in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and various European countries.
Notable individuals with the surname Mayer include many prominent figures across different fields. For instance, in music, Louis Mayer (1882-1957) was a German-American film producer, known for founding Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. In politics, Irvin F. Mayer (1906-1993) served as the United States Ambassador to Uruguay from 1964 to 1966.
In the arts, there are several notable Mayers. Ernst Ludwig Mayer (1875-1959), a German art historian, is known for his work on the history of architecture and his contributions to the field of conservation. In literature, David Mayer, a British scholar and theater historian, has made significant contributions to the study of Victorian theater.
The name Mayer, with its rich historical background and diverse associations, continues to be a prominent surname today, carried by individuals from various backgrounds and professions around the world.
The name Mayer experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a total of 2370 births recorded between 1912 and 2023. After a slow start with fewer than 10 births per year until the late 1940s, it began to gain traction in the 1950s, reaching a peak of 26 births in 1981. Since then, its popularity has remained relatively stable, with an average of around 70-80 births per year between 2000 and 2023.