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Thayer
Pronounced THAY-ər /ˈθeɪ.ər/High
Meaning: From an English surname — from Germanic Theudhar, 'of the people's army'; routes layeredLow
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Thayer comes from an English surname — from the Germanic Theudhar, 'of the people's army' (theud, 'people', plus hari, 'army'; routes layered, which we note). A preppy, refined surname-name.
It registers thinly in records. Rare, of-the-people's-army at the root, and refined.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Thayer mean?
Thayer is from a Germanic name, 'of the people's army'; the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Thayer?
It's said THAY-ər /ˈθeɪ.ər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Thayer a boy or girl name?
Thayer is a boy's name.
How popular is Thayer?
Thayer is a rare name in the U.S.