Mayer is a name of German origin, derived from the word "Meier," which means "farmer" or "peasant." It is a occupational surname that was typically given to individuals who worked as farmers or lived in rural areas.
The name Mayer has a long history and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It was particularly common in Germany, where it was often used as a surname rather than a given name. However, over time, Mayer began to be used as a given name as well, especially in Jewish communities.
In the United States, the name Mayer gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when many German immigrants arrived and brought their cultural traditions with them. Today, Mayer is still considered a classic, timeless name that evokes a sense of tradition and heritage.
Overall, the name Mayer is associated with rural life and hard work, reflecting its origins as an occupational surname. However, it has also become a beloved given name in many cultures around the world, appreciated for its strong, masculine sound and its rich historical significance.
The name Mayer has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past century, with its popularity fluctuating from year to year. Between 1912 and 2023, there have been a total of 2,370 babies named Mayer born in the U.S.
The highest number of births recorded for the name Mayer was in 2021 and 2022, with 92 and 81 births respectively. This represents a significant increase from previous years, suggesting that Mayer may be becoming more popular as a baby boy's name.
Interestingly, there were several years where only one child named Mayer was born in the U.S., including 1965, 1980, and 2004. On the other hand, some years saw a significant number of newborn Mayers, such as 2018 with 75 births.
Overall, while Mayer may not be one of the most popular baby names in the U.S., it has maintained a consistent presence over time, with fluctuations in popularity that reflect changing trends and tastes among parents. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues or changes in the coming years.