Rising since 1985, #948 for boys today.
Popularity of Meir since 1951
Babies named Meir per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 26 |
| 1960s | 48 |
| 1970s | 150 |
| 1980s | 272 |
| 1990s | 455 |
| 2000s | 775 |
| 2010s | 1,492 |
| 2020s | 1,394 |
Meaning & origin
Meir is a Hebrew name meaning 'he who shines,' rooted in the word for light. Since its first recorded U.S. appearance in 1951, Meir has experienced a resurgence, consistently rising in popularity since 1985. In 2025 it ranked 948, with an incidence of 1 in 6,887 boys, and reached its peak rank of 948 that same year. The name is most common in New Jersey, New York, and Florida, reflecting strong Jewish communities in those states. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and its connection to ancient tradition, making it a distinctive choice in contemporary America.
Meir is a Hebrew name derived from the root אור (or), meaning 'light'. It appears in Jewish tradition as a scholarly name, notably borne by the second-century Talmudic sage Rabbi Meir. The name has been used continuously among Jewish communities and has seen increased usage in Israel and the diaspora.
Where Meir is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Meir” around the world
Where Meir lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mey, Miri
Sibling names for Meir
Names that share Meir's style, for a brother or sister.
