meir

Meir is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning “he illuminates” or “one who shines,” and it is also used as a surname. In Hebrew, the name appears as מאיר, from the root associated with light. The form Meir is common in Israel and Jewish communities, and it has various spellings in different languages, including Maier in German-speaking areas.

Historically, the name appears in Jewish tradition with figures such as Rabbi Meir (Meir ben Yosef), a 2nd-century sage who is frequently cited in the Mishnah and Gemara for his teachings. In modern times, several notable people have carried the name Meir. Golda Meir (1898–1978) was an Israeli stateswoman who served as Prime Minister from 1969 to 1974. Meir Kahane (1932–1990) was a controversial American-Israeli rabbi and political activist. Meir Dagan (1945–2016) led the Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence service, from 2002 to 2011. Meir Shalev (born 1948) is a respected Israeli writer, and Meir Ariel (1949–1999) was a prominent Israeli singer-songwriter.

Geographically, Meir refers to a district in Stoke-on-Trent, England, specifically a suburb and ward in the city of Staffordshire. The name’s enduring usage across given name, surname, and place contexts reflects its long-standing association with light and illumination in Hebrew linguistic and cultural traditions.