Maier is a surname of German origin.

It is a variant spelling of the more usual "Meyer", which is cognate with the English word "mayor", but with a different meaning.

Individuals with the surname include:

• Anneliese Maier (1905–1971), German historian of philosophy
• Barbara Maier Gustern (1935–2022), American vocal coach and singer
• Bernhard Maier (born 1963), German professor of religious studies
• Daniela Maier (born 1996), German freestyle skier
• Fred Anton Maier (1938-2015), Norwegian speed skater
• Georg Maier (1941–2021), German actor and theatre director
• Henry Maier (1918–1994), American politician
• Hermann Maier (born 1972), Austrian alpine skier
• Jeffrey Maier (born 1984), 1996 World Series baseball fan
• Jens Maier (born 1962), German politician (AfD)
• Father Joe Maier (born 1939), American-born Thai Redemptorist priest
• Johann Maier von Eck (1486–1543), German Catholic theologian
• Johanna Maier (born 1951), Austrian chef
• Jonathan Maier (born 1992), German basketball player
• Lothar Maier (born 1944), German politician
• Merwyn Maier (1909–1942), American bridge player
• Michael Maier (1568–1622), German physician, counselor, alchemist, and epigramist
• Norman Maier (1900-1977), American experimental psychologist
• Patrik Maier (born 1996), Slovak ice hockey player
• Paul Maier (born 1930), American history professor and novelist
• Pauline Maier (1938–2013), American history professor
• Reinhold Maier (1889-1971), German politician
• Rudolf Robert Maier 1824–1888), German pathologist
• Sascha Maier (born 1974), retired German footballer
• Sepp Maier (born 1944), retired German football goalkeeper
• Vivian Maier (1926–2009), amateur photographer
• Walter A. Maier (1893–1950), American radio personality and theologian
• Werner L. Maier (born 1966), retired German football player
• William J. Maier (1876–1941), New York State politician
• Ronald V. Maier (born 1947), American Trauma Surgeon