Surname Moyer - Meaning and Origin

Moyer: What does the surname Moyer mean?

The surname Moyer is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has multiple meanings. The name is occupational, largely derived from the Old French term "moyere" or "moyen," meaning middle. Thus, it might have been used for a person who lived in the middle of a town or for a mediator. Alternatively, it may have evolved from the term "Moor," as in the Moorlands, suggesting a geographical origin; hence, it would refer to somebody who lived by the moor or marshy ground.

In some contexts, it is also a variant of the German surname "Meyer," originating from the Middle High German word "meier," meaning steward or bailiff. Thus, it could refer to someone who served in such positions.

It's also crucial to note that surnames evolved over centuries and their meanings could vary based on regions and local dialects. The interpretation of the surname Moyer can differ in English, German, and French linguistic traditions.

Moyer: Where does the name Moyer come from?

The last name Moyer is fairly common in the United States today. Records show that more than 43,000 people throughout the country bear this last name. The most densely populated states for the Moyer name are Pennsylvania and Ohio. In addition to the United States, the Moyer surname is also found in countries such Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and South Africa.

The first mention of the Moyer surname can be found as early as the 11th century with the Moyer family in Baden, Germany. In some cases, the Moyer title was interchangeable with the title of Mayor or Magistrate. The name has continued to gain popularity over the centuries and can be found in history books, census records and literature.

The original coat of arms for the Moyer surname is a unique combination of symbols. The central shield measures a black field crossed by a blue line, which is motivated by the blue and black colors of the ruling family of Bavaria. The gold griffin head on the top of the shield stands for strength and courage, while the three silver fish on the bottom symbolize faith, energy and fertility. The total combined symbols are meant to represent the strength and determination of the Moyer family members throughout the ages.

Variations of the surname Moyer

The surname Moyer is an equivocal spelling of several surnames with the same origin including Meyer, Meier, Meyers, Mayer, Mayers, MacMullen, and MacMullin.

Meyer is the most frequent variation of the Moyer surname and can be spelled as Mayer, Maier, and Meier. It is derived from the Middle High German meier, which means “mayor,” “bailiff,” or “steward.” It is a German and Dutch occupational name for many officials such as a steward responsible for the daily operations of an estate or the mayor of a town or village.

Meyers is the anglicized version of the German name Meyer, which has the same origin as the Moyer surname. Meyers is derived from the Old High German maharjaz, which means “reeve” and was used to describe a local official that managed the property of a lord.

Mayer is the anglicized form of the German surname Meyer and is generally pronounced as ‘myer’. It is derived from the same root word as Moyer and is also an occupational name for a mayor or bailiff.

Mayers is also an anglicized form of the Meyer surname, which means “manager” or “guardian.” It is derived from the Middle High German meier, which is a title of a leader or mayor in a medieval German city-state.

MacMullen and MacMullin are both anglicized versions of the Gaelic surname Mac Maolain, which originated in Ulster, Ireland. It is derived from the word “maol” which means “chief” or “lordly”. It is an occupational name for a steward or mayor.

All of these variants have the same origin although some may be pronounced differently than Moyer. They are all derived from a term signifying a steward, mayor, or local official. The most popular variation of Moyer is Meyer.

Famous people with the name Moyer

• Bill Moyer (multi-award-winning broadcast journalist)
• Amber Heard (actress)
• Kate Moyer (actress and director)
• Hugh Moyers (professional football player)
• Bill Moyers Jr. (media commentator and author)
• Tom Moyer (former chairman of the Portland Trail Blazers)
• Michael Moyer (mathematician and scientist)
• Christina Moyer (artist and ceramist)
• Jamie Moyer (professional baseball player)
• Kevin Moyer (professional dancer)
• Amanda Moyers (actress)
• Jeff Moyer (professional baseball coach)
• Spencer Moyer (professional snowboarder)
• Michael Moyers (voice actor)
• Jonathan Moyer (journalist and director)
• Ben Moyer (actor and filmmaker)
• Matt Moyer (professional basketball player)
• Steve Moyer (executive Vice President of the NWSL)
• Khylin Rhambo (actor)
• Abe Moyer (professional soccer player)

Other surnames

Moyers