Myer

Meaning & origin

Myer is a surname-based given name that has seen modest but consistent use in the United States since the late 1800s. First recorded in 1893, it reached its peak popularity in 1911, aligning with the era's fashion for surnames as first names. After declining through the mid-20th century, the name has been rising again since 2000, with a 2025 rank of 4,050 and an incidence of 1 in 65,695 boys. While its revival is modest, Myer fits the trend of vintage surname names appealing to parents seeking something uncommon but familiar. Its dual origin as an English occupational name for a mayor or a German-Jewish name for a dairy farmer gives it a straightforward, sturdy quality. Though it has not yet cracked the top 1,000, its steady upward trajectory and historical roots suggest it may continue to gain favor among those looking for a short, strong, one-syllable name with a clear heritage.

Myer is primarily a surname turned given name, with two main possible origins. As an English surname, it derives from the Old French 'maire', meaning 'mayor', referring to someone who served as a mayor or a similar official. Alternatively, it is a variant of the German and Jewish surname Mayer or Meyer, which originally denoted a 'dairy farmer' or 'steward' on a medieval estate. The name entered use as a given name in the late 19th century, likely influenced by the prominence of the surname among German-Jewish immigrants to the United States.