Surname Meador - Meaning and Origin
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Meador: What does the surname Meador mean?
The last name Meador is of English origin, derived from an occupational name for a person who mowed grass or reaped crops, coming from the Middle English term "medere", which means "mower." The name could have been associated with someone who worked in meadows, a crucial job in agricultural societies as it involved harvesting hay for animal fodder. This surname may also be topographical, referencing someone who lived or worked in a meadow, as it also comes from the Middle English word "mede", meaning "meadow." Thus, the last name Meador encapsulates occupations and locations tied to rural, agricultural life in Medieval England. The spelling variations of the surname include Meadmore, Medmore, Meadmoor, and many others. Like many surnames, the variation in spellings can be attributed to an oral tradition of naming, regional accents, and varying literacy levels over centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisMeador: Where does the name Meador come from?
The last name Meador has English roots, specifically deriving from medieval England. The name is considered to be a geographical surname, which means it was initially given to a person who lived in or came from a specific place. In this case, Meador originates from the Old English term "maed," which means meadow. So, it was most probably given to people living near a meadow.
Geographical surnames are the earliest form of hereditary surnames. Meador can have different forms or spelling variations in different locations, such as Meader, Medawar, Meadow, and even Meadows.
Today, the surname Meador is fairly common in the United States, particularly in the Southern states. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Meador is the 2888th most common surname within the country. This name can also be found, though less frequently, in England, the origin site of the surname, and in other English-speaking countries, like Canada and Australia.
Variations of the surname Meador
The surname Meador is of English origin and is a topographic name for someone who lived or worked in a meadow. Various spellings and variants of Meador that have evolved over time include:
1. Meadows: This is a common variant of the name and is typically English.
2. Meadors: The addition of an "s" is seen in several surnames as a variation.
3. Meder: This variant has a German origin and is similar in its phonetics to Meador.
4. Meadow: This is another common variant of the name, often used in England and Wales.
5. Meddows: This is a less common variant, usually seen in England.
6. Medow: A different spelling that possibly evolved due to phonetic transcription.
7. Mether: A very old variant of the name, though it is rarely seen today.
8. Mador: This variant is close to the original spelling and it is unusual but still in use.
9. Meaddow: This spelling is rare but has been recorded in certain old documents.
Overall, the surnames related to Meador are mostly of English origin, evolving due to regional dialects and phonetic spellings.
Famous people with the name Meador
- Gary Meador:Former President of the California Retailers Association
- Robert Meador: Executive Director of the National Association of Realtors
- Jessie Meade: Actress and Singer
- Eddie Meador: Former AFL football player
- Jeff Meador: Actor and Musician
- Kelly Meador: Author and Rodeo Queen
- Ray Meador: Race Car Driver
- Bill Meador: Former NFL football player
- Chris Meador: Criminal Defense Attorney
- Jamie Meador: Professional Baseball Player
- Janie Meador: Broadway actress
- Joe Meador: Country Singer and songwriter
- T.D. Meador: Vice Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission
- Steve Meador: Professional Photographer
- Heather Meador: Soccer Player
- Todd Meador: PGA Professional Golfer