Meeker
A surname that usually developed from the English word *meek*, originally describing a gentle or humble person.
The #4,046 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 35,161 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Meeker is generally understood as a surname formed from Middle English *meke* or *meek*, meaning gentle, mild, or humble. The final -er is likely an older surname-forming ending, so the name would have meant something like “the meek one” or “person known for meekness.” It may also reflect a comparative or altered spelling pattern found in English surnames rather than a strict modern adjective ending.
History
The name appears in English-speaking records and later became established in North America, especially in the United States. The historical excerpts you provided mostly treat it as a surname alongside other “quality” names such as Meek, suggesting a connection with the adjective rather than a place-name or occupation. In modern usage it is best known in the U.S., where it remains a relatively uncommon surname.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
English surname collections often group Meeker with other names built from personal qualities, such as Meek, Calm, or Brisker.
From the historical record
“Meekey lives in New York ; and Mr. Job Moses was witness in a case, in Western New York, in 1857. Rev. ^Ir. Meeker lives at Burlington, Vt. ; Mr. Crouch, at Swansey, N.H. ; Mr. Sceery, at Spring- field, Mass. Mr. Fears lives at Gloucester, Mass. Mr. Croucher was a passenger from Boston in July, 1858. Mr. LovEDEN…”
— Suffolk Surnames (3rd ed.)