A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Meyer since 1881
Babies named Meyer per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 42 |
| 1890s | 90 |
| 1900s | 252 |
| 1910s | 1,593 |
| 1920s | 1,033 |
| 1930s | 197 |
| 1940s | 138 |
| 1950s | 150 |
| 1960s | 89 |
| 1970s | 127 |
| 1980s | 103 |
| 1990s | 164 |
| 2000s | 274 |
| 2010s | 596 |
| 2020s | 556 |
Meaning & origin
Meyer is a name with deep roots in German and Jewish heritage. First recorded in 1881, it peaked in popularity in 1912. After a long decline, it has been rising again since 1985. In 2025, it ranked 1688th, with about 1 in 17,609 boys receiving the name. The name is most common in Illinois, New York, and North Carolina, reflecting historical settlement patterns. Its revival aligns with a broader trend of using surnames as first names.
Meyer is derived from the German and Yiddish surname Meyer, itself from Middle High German meier meaning "steward" or "bailiff." As a given name, it has been used by Ashkenazi Jewish families, sometimes as an Anglicized form of Meir or as a standalone name. Its use as a first name in the United States peaked in the early 20th century, reflecting the immigration patterns of German Jews.
Where Meyer is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mey, Meyers
Sibling names for Meyer
Names that share Meyer's style, for a brother or sister.
