"shining, luminous"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Meir
Pronunciation: [ m-AYR ]
Does Meir flow with your last name?
A luminous Hebrew name meaning 'one who shines'
Jewish
Israeli
Hebrew
Spiritual
Classic
Strong
Traditional
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Meir
Meir (also spelled Meier, Meyer, or Maier) comes from the Hebrew root 'or' (light) with the causative prefix, giving it the meaning 'one who illuminates' or 'enlightener.' The name is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, borne by Rabbi Meir, one of the most important Talmudic sages of the 2nd century CE, whose wife Bruriah was herself a renowned scholar.
Meir is a traditional Jewish name that remains popular in Israel and among Orthodox and observant Jewish communities worldwide. It carries the gravitas of Talmudic scholarship and is often chosen to honor a Rabbi Meir in the family lineage.
Rabbi Meir's teachings fill the Mishnah and Talmud, making this name synonymous with Torah scholarship. Golda Meir, Israel's fourth Prime Minister (and the world's third female head of government), added modern political strength to the name's legacy.
Historical Record
Meir first appeared in US Social Security records in 1951.
Over 4,356 babies have been named Meir in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Meir is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #916 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Rabbi Meir was so prominent in the 2nd century that the Talmud records more of his teachings than any other single sage
- Golda Meir was Israel's first and only female Prime Minister, serving 1969-1974
- The surname Meyer/Meier (common in German-speaking countries) derives from this Hebrew name
Meir in Other Languages
French
Meir
German
Meier
Hebrew
מֵאִיר
Spanish
Meir
Yiddish
Meier/Meyer
Popularity Over Time
#916
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Meir
G
Golda Meir
Politician
1898
Israel's fourth Prime Minister (1969-1974) and the world's third female head of government, born in Kiev and raised in M...
Israel's fourth Prime Minister (1969-1974) and the world's third female head of government, born in Kiev and raised in Milwaukee
R
Rabbi Meir
Religious
100
2nd-century CE Talmudic sage whose teachings are foundational to Jewish law; his wife Bruriah was herself a noted schola...
2nd-century CE Talmudic sage whose teachings are foundational to Jewish law; his wife Bruriah was herself a noted scholar
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #916
- Total SSA Count
- 253
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Israeli Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mei
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, Israeli heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Meir
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Meir
What does the name Meir mean?
"shining, luminous" (from Hebrew). Meir (also spelled Meier, Meyer, or Maier) comes from the Hebrew root 'or' (light) with the causative prefix, giving it the meaning 'one who illuminates' or 'enlightener.' The name is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, borne by Rabbi Meir, one of the most important Talmudic sages of the 2nd century CE, whose wife Bruriah was herself a renowned scholar.
What is the origin of the name Meir?
Meir has Hebrew, Jewish, and Israeli origins. In Hebrew, it means "shining, luminous".
Is Meir a boy or girl name?
Meir is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Meir?
Meir is pronounced m-AYR.
How popular is the name Meir?
Meir is currently ranked #916 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Meir?
Common nicknames for Meir include Mei.
What are good middle names for Meir?
Popular middle name pairings include Meir David, Meir Aaron, Meir Jacob, Meir Eli, Meir Nathan, Meir Samuel, and Meir Ezra.
What are good sibling names for Meir?
Names that pair well with Meir as siblings include Tzvi, Miriam, Devorah, Noam, Avital, Ronen, and Shira.
How many syllables does Meir have?
Meir has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Meir a common or rare name?
Meir is moderately common, ranked #916 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Meir?
Are there other spellings for Meir?
Related spellings include Meilech.
About the Name Meir
Meir is a boy name with Jewish, Israeli, and Hebrew origins . The name means "shining, luminous" in Hebrew .
Meir is currently ranked #916 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Meir has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AYR, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Meir include Mei. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Meir include Meilech . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis