Find out how popular the first name Meir has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Meir by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Meir is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 238 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Meir.

The history of the first name Meir

The name Meir has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is a variant spelling of the name Meir, which is derived from the Hebrew word "or," meaning "light" or "to shine." This name is often associated with the concept of enlightenment, brilliance, and radiance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Meir can be found in the Hebrew Bible, where it appears as the name of a Levite mentioned in the Book of Chronicles. The name gained popularity among Jews during the Middle Ages and has remained a widely used name within Jewish communities throughout history.

Historically, several notable figures have borne the name Meir. One of the most prominent was Rabbi Meir, a revered Jewish sage who lived in the 2nd century CE and was a leading figure in the development of the Mishnah, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism.

Another influential figure with this name was Meir ben Baruch of Rothenburg (c. 1215-1293), a renowned German rabbi and scholar who made significant contributions to Jewish law and ethics.

In more recent times, Meir Dizengoff (1892-1936) was a prominent Zionist leader and the first mayor of Tel Aviv, playing a crucial role in the establishment of the modern city.

Meir Kahane (1932-1990) was a controversial Jewish activist and political figure known for his advocacy of Jewish self-determination and militancy against perceived threats to the Jewish people.

Golda Meir (1898-1978) was a prominent Israeli politician and the fourth Prime Minister of Israel, serving from 1969 to 1974. She played a significant role in shaping Israeli politics and is remembered for her leadership during the Yom Kippur War.

The name Meir has a rich history and has been carried by influential figures across various fields, including religion, scholarship, politics, and activism. Its connection to the concept of light and enlightenment has made it a popular choice for parents seeking a meaningful and culturally significant name for their children.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Meir was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Meir, please contact us.

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