Mayer

Mayer is a surname of German origin, derived from the medieval occupational name Meier or Maier, meaning a steward or bailiff who managed a manor. Variants include Meyer, Meier, Maier, Mayr, and Meir, with spelling differences arising from regional dialects and transliteration. In addition to being a surname, Mayer is used as a given name in some Jewish communities, often from the Hebrew Meir, meaning 'one who shines' or 'bright.'

The name is common among German-speaking families and among Ashkenazi Jews, with bearers spread across Europe and North America due to migration. It appears in historical records from the Middle Ages to the present.

Notable bearers include John Mayer, the American singer-songwriter and guitarist, among others in various professions. The surname has also given rise to place names and institutional names in regions where the name is prevalent. Variants and related forms to consider include Meyer, Meier, Maier, and Mayr, as well as the given-name Meir.