An English, Danish, Dutch and German surname of Meyer came from the Old English words of ‘maire’ or ‘meier‘. It referred to an individual in charge of handling legal matters, such as a town mayor. The Old German word ‘meiger’ meant superior. In Germany the surname is written Meier, Maier and Mayer.

Spelling forms for Meyer include Myer, Von Meyer, Meijer, Mair, Mayer, Mere, Meire, Maire, Myers, Maires and Meir.

The Meyer families in England originated in Cheshire county. It spread in modest numbers throughout England and into southern Wales. The highest concentration is in London. Very few have the Meyer surname in Scotland. The only higher numbers are in Midlothian county. The Meyer surname is popular in Germany.

In the United States most Meyer families are in New York New Jersey, Illinois and Missouri.

Famous: Joseph Meyer (19th century publisher in Germany), Urban Meyer (professional football coach), Bob Meyer (professional baseball player), Ernst H. F. Myer (19th century German botanist), Stephenie Myer (author), Conrad F. Meyer (19th century port from Switzerland), Helga Meyer (opera singer from Germany), Karl E. Meyer (journalist of the Washington Post) and Nicholas Meyer (film maker).