Amish Last Names: A Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

Amish last names are a fascinating window into the history and cultural traditions of this unique community. While the Amish typically do not use surnames, they are commonly used to identify individuals and families, particularly in the outside world. These names often reflect the origins, occupations, or personal characteristics of the individuals they represent. This comprehensive list delves into the origins and meanings of popular Amish last names, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of their heritage.
1. **Beiler:** meaning "dweller by the stream" or "one who lives near a stream," derived from the German word "Beil."
2. **Berkey:** meaning "mountain ash," derived from the German word "Berke."
3. **Bontrager:** meaning "one who lives by the mountain ash tree" or "dweller by the mountain ash," derived from the German words "Berg" (mountain) and "Trage" (ash tree).
4. **Byler:** meaning "dweller by the creek," derived from the German word "Byl."
5. **Chestnut:** meaning "someone who lives near a chestnut tree," derived from the English word "chestnut."
6. **Coblentz:** meaning "from the valley of the Coblenz," derived from the German word "Coblenz."
7. **Detweiler:** meaning "one who lives by the tile maker," derived from the German words "Deut" (tile) and "Weil" (stream).
8. **Eicher:** meaning "one who lives by the oak," derived from the German word "Eich."
9. **Fisher:** meaning "one who catches fish," derived from the English word "fisher."
10. **Gingerich:** meaning "one who lives by the ginger root," derived from the German word "Ginger."
11. **Graber:** meaning "grave digger," derived from the German word "Graben" (to dig).
12. **Hershberger:** meaning "one who lives by the mountain pass," derived from the German words "Hers" (mountain) and "Berg" (pass).
13. **Hochstetler:** meaning "one who lives by the high hill," derived from the German words "Hoch" (high) and "Stetler" (hill).
14. **Hostetler:** meaning "one who lives by the mountain pass," derived from the German words "Hos" (mountain) and "Stetler" (pass).
15. **Huber:** meaning "one who lives by the farm," derived from the German word "Hube" (farm).
16. **Kaufman:** meaning "merchant," derived from the German word "Kaufmann."
17. **Kemp:** meaning "warrior," derived from the German word "Kempf."
18. **King:** meaning "ruler," derived from the English word "king."
19. **Knepp:** meaning "little child," derived from the German word "Knecht."
20. **Kraybill:** meaning "one who lives by the berry field," derived from the German words "Kraut" (berry) and "Bill" (field).
21. **Lehman:** meaning "tenant," derived from the German word "Lehmann."
22. **Lantz:** meaning "one who lives by the valley," derived from the German word "Land."
23. **Miller:** meaning "one who grinds grain," derived from the English word "miller."
24. **Mullett:** meaning "one who lives by the mill," derived from the English word "mill."
25. **Nolt:** meaning "one who lives by the narrow place," derived from the German word "Nolte."
26. **Peachey:** meaning "one who lives by the peach tree," derived from the English word "peach."
27. **Reich:** meaning "rich," derived from the German word "Reich."
28. **Schrock:** meaning "one who lives by the rocky place," derived from the German word "Schrock."
29. **Shank:** meaning "leg," derived from the English word "shank."
30. **Shelly:** meaning "shell," derived from the English word "shell."
31. **Smucker:** meaning "one who is smooth," derived from the German word "Schmuck."
32. **Stoltzfus:** meaning "one who is proud," derived from the German word "Stolz."
33. **Stoltzfoos:** meaning "one who is proud," derived from the German word "Stolz."
34. **Swartzentruber:** meaning "one who lives by the black tree," derived from the German words "Schwarz" (black) and "Truber" (tree).
35. **Troyer:** meaning "one who lives by the tower," derived from the German word "Trock" (tower).
36. **Weaver:** meaning "one who weaves," derived from the English word "weaver."
37. **Yoder:** meaning "one who lives by the oak," derived from the German word "Yoder."
38. **Zimmerman:** meaning "carpenter," derived from the German word "Zimmermann."
39. **Zook:** meaning "one who lives by the corner," derived from the German word "Zucker."
40. **Zook:** meaning "one who lives by the corner," derived from the German word "Zucker."