Origin & Meaning of the Mayer Surname
What does the last name Mayer mean?
The surname Mayer carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 39,555 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mayer ranks as the #880 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mayer come from?
The Mayer surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Mayer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mayer trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Mayer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #880 |
| US Count (2010) | 39,555 |
| Per 100K People | 13.41 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mayer
According to the US Census, the Mayer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 39,555 Americans with the Mayer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.11% |
| Black | 1.25% |
| Hispanic | 3.04% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.91% |
| Native American | 0.36% |
| Two or More Races | 1.34% |
Popularity of Mayer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mayer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mayer surname increased by 444 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Mayer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mayer
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