Mayer
4 synonyms for Mayer, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Name — A surname of German and Jewish origin, an occupational name for a farmer or steward, also a variant of Meyer.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
* As an English surname, variant of Mear, from the noun mere (both senses). * Also as an English surname, from Middle English mire, a borrowing from archaic French mire (“physician”). Compare Myer. * Also as an English name, from the noun mayor. Compare Mayor, Mair. * As a German and Dutch surname, variant of Meyer, My...
Full origin of Mayer →Frequently asked questions
What does “Mayer” mean?
The word “Mayer” means a surname of German and Jewish origin, an occupational name for a farmer or steward, also a variant of Meyer.
How do you use “Mayer” in a sentence?
Here is “Mayer” used in a sentence: “Louis B. Mayer co-founded a major Hollywood film studio.”
What part of speech is “Mayer”?
“Mayer” is a name.
Is “Mayer” a common word?
“Mayer” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between Mayer and Meyer?
Mayer and Meyer are variant spellings of the same German and Jewish surname, both originally used as an occupational name for a farmer or steward. The spelling that a family uses today usually just reflects regional or historical transcription differences rather than a difference in meaning.
What did the surname Mayer originally mean?
Mayer began as an occupational surname given to a farmer or steward, someone who managed land or a household on behalf of an owner. Over time it became a hereditary family name rather than a description of a job.
Is Mayer a German surname or a Jewish surname?
Mayer has both German and Jewish origins, since the occupational term it comes from was used in German-speaking communities generally, including Jewish ones. This dual background is why the surname appears across different European Jewish and German family lines.
