maier

Maier is a surname of German origin. It derives from the Middle High German term meier, meaning steward, bailiff, or administrator of a manor. The spelling Maier, Meier, and Mayer reflects regional dialects and historical orthography. In some regions the name denoted an office or status in a medieval or early modern manor, and it later became a hereditary surname carried by descendants.

The name is widespread in German-speaking areas and among emigrant communities. It remains particularly common in Austria and southern Germany, with substantial presence in Switzerland and in diaspora communities in North America and beyond. Spelling variants and related forms include Meier, Mayer, Mair, Maire, Mayr, and Meir. These forms share the same etymological root and often intersect in genealogical records.

In literature, archives, and public life, Maier appears as a typical German surname. The name also surfaces in toponymy and in the names of institutions or organizations in German-speaking regions, reflecting its historical roots.

There are notable individuals with the surname Maier across fields such as science, art, sports, and public life, illustrating the name’s broad distribution. For researchers, Maier is commonly encountered in genealogical and historical sources as a variant of related surnames such as Meier or Mayer.

See also: Meier, Mayer, Mair.