Surname Meili - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Meili: What does the surname Meili mean?
The surname Meili is of Swiss-German origin. The exact meaning of the surname is not clearly defined or known. However, in the German language, the word "meili" is reportedly used in certain dialects to refer to a young girl or maiden, derived from the Middle High German "meit(el)" meaning a girl or virgin. Thus, some sources suggest the surname could mean "maiden's son" in reference to its components. However, please note that this interpretation is not universally accepted. This further illustrates the complexities of surname meanings, which can evolve and carry different connotations and origins across regions and cultures. Please consult reliable genealogical sources or professional name researchers for more accurate and comprehensive interpretation.
Order DNA origin analysisMeili: Where does the name Meili come from?
The surname Meili is considered of Swiss origin, likely stemming from the Swiss-German word "meili," which translates to handsome or pretty. It is believed to have initially been used as a nickname, before gradually evolving into a last name. However, exact roots of the surname are not certain.
Today, the surname Meili is relatively common in Switzerland, with a significant presence in the canton of Zurich. It's also found in other Swiss cantons including Aargau and Saint Gallen. Outside of Switzerland, the Meili surname has spread globally due to immigration. It can be found in other countries with significant Swiss diaspora such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina; however, it remains less common in these regions than in Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Meili
The name Meili has its origins in Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. Variants and similar surnames include Meier, Meyer, Mayer, Maier, Mayr, Meyr, Miler, and Moller.
The surname Meili could have been derived from the Middle High German term "meiger," meaning "higher or superior," often used for landlords and overseers. Thus, it's also linked to the prevalent surname "Meier".
In English-speaking countries, variants and similar surnames may also include the familiar Miller, due to common phonetic similarities. The surname Meili can also be alternatively spelled as Meile, Meily, or even Mealey, Maher in different regions or families.
In some cases, prefixes have been added to the surname over time, such as "von Meili" or "de Meili" often used in higher-class stature. However, it's important to note that surnames can widely vary due to migration, regional dialects, and even clerical errors.
Further, there could be variants in different languages due to translation, like "Melnyk" in Ukrainian or "Mlynar" in Czech, both effectively translating to "miller" in English.
Given the common nature of occupational surnames and shifting sociolinguistic borders in history, tracking the exact variants of Meili can be complex.
Famous people with the name Meili
- Christian Meili: Swiss theologian and Protestant reformer
- Joel Meili: Swiss handball player
- Michel Meili: Swiss politician
- Urs Meili: Swiss composer and conductor
- Urs Meili: Swiss ski jumper
- Rob Meili: Canadian voice actor
- Andrea Meili: Swiss TV presenter and actress
- Marc Meili: Swiss medical doctor
- Christian Meili: Swiss politician
- Steve Meili: American basketball player