Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪə] (IPA) 
Meier is a German surname that is commonly found in Switzerland. It is pronounced as /ˈmaɪər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word "Meier" follows the rules of German spelling, where "e" is pronounced as "ay" and "i" is pronounced as "ee". Therefore, the "ei" combination in Meier is pronounced as "ay" in German pronunciation. This surname has multiple spellings in English, but the most common ones are Meier and Mayer.
Meier is a German surname that originated from the Middle High German word “meiger” or “maier,” meaning steward or mayor. It is a fairly common and prominent surname in Germany and can be found in various parts of the country.
In its most basic sense, Meier refers to an individual or family who held the position of a steward or mayor within a town or village. Historically, the Meiers were responsible for managing the affairs of the community, overseeing its administration, and ensuring the welfare of its inhabitants. The role of a Meier was often considered essential in maintaining order, resolving disputes, and representing the interests of the residents.
Over time, the name Meier became hereditary and was passed down from one generation to another, signifying the continued association with the position of steward or mayor. As a result, many current bearers of the surname Meier can trace their ancestry back to these historical positions of authority.
In addition to its historical significance, Meier has become a popular surname in contemporary Germany and has spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora. Today, individuals with the surname Meier can be found in various countries, continuing to carry on the proud heritage associated with the position of steward or mayor.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Meier" originated from Old High German, and its etymology can be traced back to the Middle High German term "meiger" or "meiger". The term, in turn, is derived from the Old High German word "meigo", which meant "servant" or "steward". In medieval times, a Meier referred to a steward or bailiff who managed an estate or agricultural property on behalf of a feudal lord. Over time, the term evolved to also denote a tenant farmer or a person who owned or rented a small farm. Eventually, the surname "Meier" came into existence, indicating someone who had a connection to the role of a steward, bailiff, or farmer. Today, the name "Meier" is commonly found as a surname in German-speaking countries.
