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Home › Baby Names Directory › Mayer

Mayer

♀ Girl

Pronounced MY-er /ˈmaɪ.ər/High

Meaning: Variously a German/Jewish surname ('a steward; a farm-manager/mayor') and the Hebrew Meir ('one who shines; a bringer of light'); used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A steward; a bringer of light: Mayer is German/Jewish. Crisp, classic, and warm. Used for both sexes.
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Origin LowGerman, Hebrew
MeaningVariously a German/Jewish surname ('a steward; a farm-manager/mayor') and the Hebrew Meir ('one who shines; a bringer of light'); used for both sexes; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#10615 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births9 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 68

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202420122025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Mayer is variously a German/Jewish surname ('a steward; a farm-manager/mayor') and the Hebrew Meir ('one who shines; a bringer of light'; routes layered, which we note). Used for both sexes, here for a girl (slug distinguished; said 'MY-er').

In the U.S. it appears in German and Jewish families. Rare, a-steward-and-a-light at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Mayer is variously a German/Jewish surname ('a steward; a mayor') and the Hebrew Meir ('one who shines; a bringer of light') — a crisp name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'MY-er').
Overall data confidence 32%
References — Mayer — unisex; routes layered

Variations

MeirMeyerMayr

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Mayer…

Meir— the Hebrew source name
Meyer— a kin spelling
Maren— a fellow Ma- girls' name
Wilder— the same surname-name feel
Sayler— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Mayer

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Mayer mean?

Mayer is variously a German/Jewish surname ('a steward') and Hebrew Meir ('a bringer of light'); used for both sexes; here for a girl. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Mayer?

It's said MY-er /ˈmaɪ.ər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Mayer a boy or girl name?

Mayer is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Mayer?

Mayer is a very rare name in the U.S.

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