Meir is a Hebrew male given name that means "one who illuminates" or "one who gives light". It originates from the Hebrew word "me'or", which means "light".
The name Meir has a rich history in Jewish culture and tradition. It was borne by several notable figures, including Rabbi Meir of Rothenburg, a prominent Talmudic scholar and posek (halakhic authority) in the 13th century, and Meir Shalev, an Israeli author known for his works such as "The Blue Mountain" and "The Man Who Dripped Water".
In recent years, Meir has gained popularity as a given name among Jewish families around the world. It is often chosen for its positive meaning and cultural significance. Despite its Hebrew origins, Meir can also be found in other cultures and languages, such as Arabic, where it means "one who lives on a hill" or "one who ascends".
Overall, Meir is a name with a strong historical and cultural background, reflecting the light and illumination that it signifies. It is a meaningful choice for parents looking to give their child a name with deep roots in tradition and symbolism.
The name Meir has seen varied popularity over the decades, with a notable increase since the late 1990s. From 1951 to 1979, the number of annual births ranged between 5 and 23. However, starting from 1980, there was a significant rise, with the birth count consistently exceeding 20 each year. The peak occurred in 2022 with 238 births. In total, over the span of these years, Meir has been given to 4096 newborns.