German Last Names from the 1920s: A Glimpse into History

Are you researching your family history or simply curious about the origins of German last names? This list provides a comprehensive look at common German last names popular in the 1920s, offering insights into the cultural and societal landscape of that era. From traditional occupations to descriptive features, these names tell stories of generations past, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of people who lived through a period of significant historical change.
1. **Becker**: Baker, a common occupation-based name
2. **Bauer**: Farmer, another occupational last name
3. **Schmidt**: Smith, indicating a blacksmith or metalworker
4. **Müller**: Miller, reflecting a profession involved in grain processing
5. **Schulz**: Steward, referring to someone managing an estate
6. **Hoffmann**: From the word "Hof", meaning courtyard or farm
7. **Schneider**: Tailor, indicating a skilled craftsman
8. **Fischer**: Fisherman, reflecting a profession tied to the sea or rivers
9. **Weber**: Weaver, reflecting a textile-related occupation
10. **Meyer**: A common occupational name, meaning "farmer"
11. **Wagner**: Wagon maker, a skilled artisan of the time
12. **Koch**: Cook, an occupational name reflecting a common role
13. **Klein**: Small, a descriptive name indicating size
14. **Krause**: Curly-haired, a descriptive name referring to hair
15. **Schröder**: Tailor, an occupational name for a skilled craftsman
16. **Schmitt**: Smith, another variation of the common occupational name
17. **Berger**: Mountain dweller, a descriptive name reflecting location
18. **Zimmermann**: Carpenter, an occupational name indicating a skilled worker
19. **Schwarz**: Black, a descriptive name referring to hair or complexion
20. **Roth**: Red, a descriptive name referring to hair or complexion
21. **Gruber**: Digger, indicating someone who works with the earth
22. **Huber**: From "Hof", meaning courtyard or farm
23. **Kuhn**: Son, a descriptive name indicating lineage
24. **Lang**: Long, a descriptive name indicating height
25. **Schuster**: Shoemaker, an occupational name indicating a skilled craftsman
26. **Walter**: Ruler, a name with a strong sense of authority
27. **Hermann**: Army man, a name reflecting a military background
28. **Wilhelm**: Resolute protector, a name with a strong and protective connotation
29. **Friedrich**: Peaceful ruler, a name with a sense of order and justice
30. **Otto**: Wealthy, a name suggesting prosperity and abundance
31. **Franz**: Free man, a name with a strong sense of independence
32. **Heinrich**: Ruler of the home, a name reflecting leadership and authority
33. **Karl**: Free man, another name with a sense of independence
34. **Josef**: God will add, a name with a strong spiritual connotation
35. **Martin**: Devoted to Mars, a name with a connection to the god of war
36. **Peter**: Rock, a name reflecting strength and stability
37. **Paul**: Small, a name with a modest and humble connotation
38. **Johannes**: God is gracious, a name with a deep religious connection
39. **Andreas**: Manly, a name with a strong and masculine feel
40. **Georg**: Farmer, a name associated with agriculture and land
41. **Werner**: Defender of the army, a name with a military connection
42. **Klaus**: Anchor, a name reflecting strength and stability
43. **Hans**: God is gracious, a name with a religious connotation
44. **Dieter**: Ruler of the people, a name reflecting authority and leadership
45. **Günter**: War-like, a name with a strong and assertive feel
46. **Alfred**: Wise counselor, a name reflecting intelligence and wisdom
47. **Helmut**: Helmet protector, a name with a connection to war and defense
48. **Rudolf**: Famous wolf, a name reflecting strength and power
49. **Kurt**: Brave, a name with a courageous and determined connotation
50. **Christian**: Follower of Christ, a name with a strong religious connection