Jewish Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Common and Historical Surnames

This comprehensive guide explores the fascinating world of Jewish last names, providing a rich understanding of their origins and meanings. From Ashkenazi to Sephardi, this list delves into the diverse linguistic roots and cultural significance of Jewish surnames, offering insights into family histories and the enduring legacy of Jewish heritage.
1. **Abramson:** Derived from the Hebrew name Avraham, meaning "father of many." It signifies a descendant of Abraham, considered the patriarch of Judaism.
2. **Ackerman:** A German surname meaning "field man" or "farmer," reflecting the historical occupation of many Jewish families.
3. **Adler:** From the German word "Adler," meaning "eagle," symbolizing strength, courage, and nobility.
4. **Agron:** A Hebrew surname derived from the word "agron," meaning "field" or "farm," indicating agricultural origins.
5. **Alpert:** A Hebrew surname meaning "God is my light," referring to the divine guidance and protection in life.
6. **Altman:** From the German words "alt" (old) and "mann" (man), possibly signifying an elder or a respected figure.
7. **Amiel:** A Hebrew surname meaning "God is my strength," expressing reliance on divine power.
8. **Appelbaum:** A German surname meaning "apple tree," often symbolizing fertility, abundance, and sweetness.
9. **Aronson:** Derived from the Hebrew name Aaron, meaning "mountain of strength" or "enlightened."
10. **Ashkenazi:** A surname of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, indicating ancestry from Central and Eastern Europe.
11. **Avigdor:** A Hebrew surname meaning "my God is strong" or "God is my shepherd."
12. **Baruch:** A Hebrew surname meaning "blessed" or "fortunate," expressing gratitude for divine favor.
13. **Baum:** A German surname meaning "tree," signifying growth, stability, and connection to nature.
14. **Becker:** From the German word "Becker," meaning "baker," reflecting a traditional occupation.
15. **Belkin:** A Hebrew surname meaning "owner of a house," possibly indicating property ownership.
16. **Benjamin:** A Hebrew surname meaning "son of the right hand," symbolizing strength, favor, and blessings.
17. **Berg:** From the German word "Berg," meaning "mountain," signifying strength, resilience, and elevation.
18. **Berman:** A Hebrew surname meaning "son of man," emphasizing human existence and connection to the divine.
19. **Blumenthal:** A German surname meaning "flower valley," reflecting a picturesque location or a connection to nature.
20. **Bornstein:** A German surname meaning "born from a stone," potentially signifying resilience or a connection to a specific location.
21. **Brody:** A Polish surname meaning "brother," possibly signifying a familial bond or an occupation related to brotherhood.
22. **Cohen:** A Hebrew surname meaning "priest," indicating descent from the Levitical priesthood.
23. **Cooper:** An English surname derived from the occupation of a "cooper," a maker or repairer of barrels.
24. **David:** A Hebrew surname meaning "beloved" or "friend," often signifying a strong and compassionate character.
25. **Eisenberg:** A German surname meaning "iron mountain," reflecting a location or a symbol of strength and resilience.
26. **Epstein:** A Hebrew surname meaning "son of the stone," potentially signifying a connection to a specific location or a symbol of strength.
27. **Feldman:** A German surname meaning "field man," reflecting an agricultural background.
28. **Finkelstein:** A German surname meaning "fine stone," possibly signifying a connection to a specific location or a symbol of beauty.
29. **Fisher:** An English surname derived from the occupation of a "fisherman," reflecting a connection to the sea or a livelihood.
30. **Frank:** A German surname meaning "free man," signifying independence and liberation.
31. **Friedman:** A German surname meaning "peace man," reflecting a desire for harmony and tranquility.
32. **Garfinkel:** A Hebrew surname meaning "God's garden," symbolizing beauty, abundance, and divine blessings.
33. **Goldberg:** A German surname meaning "golden mountain," signifying wealth, prosperity, and elevation.
34. **Goldman:** A German surname meaning "gold man," reflecting a desire for wealth or a connection to goldsmithing.
35. **Greenberg:** A German surname meaning "green mountain," reflecting a picturesque location or a symbol of growth and renewal.
36. **Grossman:** A German surname meaning "big man," signifying strength, importance, or a large family.
37. **Harris:** An English surname derived from the name "Henry," meaning "ruler of the house."
38. **Herman:** A German surname meaning "army man" or "warrior," reflecting strength and courage.
39. **Hochman:** A German surname meaning "high man," possibly signifying a respected figure or a position of authority.
40. **Hoffman:** A German surname meaning "hope man," expressing a hopeful outlook and optimism.
41. **Horowitz:** A Hebrew surname meaning "mountain of the city," potentially signifying a connection to a specific location or a symbol of strength and stability.
42. **Jacobs:** A Hebrew surname meaning "supplanter" or "God is gracious," referencing the biblical figure Jacob.
43. **Jaffee:** A Hebrew surname meaning "beautiful," expressing appreciation for beauty and elegance.
44. **Kaplan:** A Hebrew surname meaning "priest," indicating descent from the Levitical priesthood.
45. **Katz:** A Hebrew surname meaning "priest," indicating descent from the Levitical priesthood.
46. **Kaufman:** A German surname meaning "merchant" or "buyer," reflecting a commercial background.
47. **Klein:** A German surname meaning "small," potentially referring to size, stature, or a humble background.
48. **Kline:** A German surname meaning "small," potentially referring to size, stature, or a humble background.
49. **Kohn:** A German surname meaning "king," signifying leadership, strength, and nobility.
50. **Kramer:** A German surname meaning "shopkeeper" or "merchant," reflecting a commercial background.
51. **Kravitz:** A Hebrew surname meaning "priest," indicating descent from the Levitical priesthood.
52. **Langer:** A German surname meaning "long," potentially referring to height, stature, or a long family history.
53. **Lazar:** A Hebrew surname meaning "God has helped," expressing gratitude for divine assistance.
54. **Lebowitz:** A German surname meaning "white house," reflecting a specific location or a symbol of purity and cleanliness.
55. **Leibowitz:** A German surname meaning "beloved house," signifying affection and a sense of home.
56. **Levi:** A Hebrew surname meaning "joined" or "connected," signifying a connection to the tribe of Levi.
57. **Levin:** A Hebrew surname meaning "white," reflecting purity, cleanliness, or a connection to the color white.
58. **Levinson:** A Hebrew surname meaning "son of the lion," symbolizing strength, courage, and leadership.
59. **Lipman:** A German surname meaning "life man," reflecting a desire for a long and fulfilling life.
60. **Lipschutz:** A German surname meaning "protector of the lips," potentially signifying a role in defending faith or a connection to speech.
61. **Litvak:** A Lithuanian surname meaning "Lithuanian," indicating ancestry from Lithuania.
62. **Lowenstein:** A German surname meaning "lion's stone," symbolizing strength and resilience.
63. **Lubin:** A Hebrew surname meaning "heart," signifying love, passion, and compassion.
64. **Luria:** A Hebrew surname meaning "my God is my light," expressing reliance on divine guidance.
65. **Mahler:** A German surname meaning "miller," reflecting an occupation related to grinding grain.
66. **Marcus:** A Latin surname meaning "Mars," the Roman god of war, symbolizing strength and courage.
67. **Margolis:** A Hebrew surname meaning "my God is my king," expressing loyalty and devotion to God.
68. **Markowitz:** A Hebrew surname meaning "son of the arrow," potentially signifying precision, focus, or a connection to archery.
69. **Melamed:** A Hebrew surname meaning "teacher," indicating a role as an educator.
70. **Mendel:** A Hebrew surname meaning "to see," signifying insight, knowledge, and awareness.
71. **Meyer:** A German surname meaning "more," possibly indicating a larger family or a successful business.
72. **Miller:** An English surname derived from the occupation of a "miller," reflecting an occupation related to grinding grain.
73. **Mintz:** A Hebrew surname meaning "coin," signifying wealth, prosperity, or a connection to currency.
74. **Morgenstern:** A German surname meaning "morning star," symbolizing hope, renewal, and a bright future.
75. **Morris:** A German surname meaning "dark," potentially referring to hair color, complexion, or a connection to the night.
76. **Moskowitz:** A Hebrew surname meaning "son of Moses," referencing the biblical prophet and leader.
77. **Neiman:** A Hebrew surname meaning "faithful," expressing loyalty and commitment.
78. **Novak:** A Slavic surname meaning "new," signifying a new beginning or a connection to a new location.
79. **Ostrov:** A Slavic surname meaning "island," potentially signifying a connection to a specific location or a sense of isolation.
80. **Perlmutter:** A German surname meaning "pearl mother," signifying beauty, elegance, and a nurturing nature.
81. **Pinsky:** A Hebrew surname meaning "son of Pinchas," referencing a biblical figure known for his zeal and righteousness.
82. **Rabin:** A Hebrew surname meaning "priest," indicating descent from the Levitical priesthood.
83. **Rabinowitz:** A Hebrew surname meaning "son of the priest," indicating a connection to the Levitical priesthood.
84. **Reiss:** A German surname meaning "rich" or "wealthy," reflecting prosperity and affluence.
85. **Reisman:** A German surname meaning "rich man," reflecting prosperity and affluence.
86. **Rosen:** A German surname meaning "rose," signifying beauty, love, and passion.
87. **Rosenberg:** A German surname meaning "rose mountain," reflecting a picturesque location or a symbol of beauty and resilience.
88. **Rosenblatt:** A German surname meaning "rose leaf," signifying beauty, grace, and a connection to nature.
89. **Rosenthal:** A German surname meaning "rose valley," reflecting a picturesque location or a symbol of beauty and prosperity.
90. **Roth:** A German surname meaning "red," potentially referring to hair color, complexion, or a connection to the color red.
91. **Rubin:** A Hebrew surname meaning "ruby," signifying passion, love, and a precious quality.
92. **Rudman:** A German surname meaning "rudder man," reflecting a skill in navigation or a connection to the sea.
93. **Sachs:** A German surname meaning "axe," reflecting an occupation related to woodworking or a symbol of strength.
94. **Salzman:** A German surname meaning "salt man," potentially signifying a connection to salt production or a symbol of preservation.
95. **Samuel:** A Hebrew surname meaning "God has heard," signifying divine attention and response.
96. **Schaefer:** A German surname meaning "shepherd," reflecting an occupation related to livestock or a connection to nature.
97. **Schiller:** A German surname meaning "beautiful," expressing appreciation for beauty and elegance.
98. **Schlesinger:** A German surname meaning "Silesian," indicating ancestry from Silesia.
99. **Schneider:** A German surname meaning "tailor," reflecting an occupation related to clothing.
100. **Schwartz:** A German surname meaning "black," potentially referring to hair color, complexion, or a connection to the color black.
101. **Segal:** A Hebrew surname meaning "messenger" or "ambassador," signifying a role in communication or diplomacy.
102. **Seinfeld:** A German surname meaning "old field," reflecting a location or a sense of history.
103. **Shapiro:** A Hebrew surname meaning "beautiful," expressing appreciation for beauty and elegance.
104. **Sheinbaum:** A Hebrew surname meaning "beautiful tree," signifying beauty, growth, and a connection to nature.
105. **Sherman:** A German surname meaning "farmer," reflecting an agricultural background.
106. **Silverman:** A German surname meaning "silver man," reflecting a desire for wealth or a connection to silversmithing.
107. **Simon:** A Hebrew surname meaning "listener" or "God has heard," signifying attentiveness and divine favor.
108. **Singer:** A German surname meaning "singer," reflecting a musical talent or an occupation related to music.
109. **Smith:** An English surname derived from the occupation of a "smith," a metalworker.
110. **Sobel:** A Hebrew surname meaning "beautiful," expressing appreciation for beauty and elegance.
111. **Solomon:** A Hebrew surname meaning "peaceful," signifying harmony, tranquility, and wisdom.
112. **Stein:** A German surname meaning "stone," signifying strength, resilience, and stability.
113. **Steinberg:** A German surname meaning "stone mountain," reflecting a location or a symbol of strength and resilience.
114. **Stern:** A German surname meaning "star," symbolizing hope, guidance, and a bright future.
115. **Straus:** A German surname meaning "bush" or "shrub," reflecting a connection to nature.
116. **Strauss:** A German surname meaning "bush" or "shrub," reflecting a connection to nature.
117. **Sugarman:** A German surname meaning "sugar man," reflecting a connection to the sweetening industry or a desire for sweetness.
118. **Sussman:** A German surname meaning "sweet man," expressing a kind and gentle nature.
119. **Swartz:** A German surname meaning "black," potentially referring to hair color, complexion, or a connection to the color black.
120. **Talbot:** An English surname of Norman origin, possibly meaning "cutter of wood."
121. **Tanenbaum:** A German surname meaning "fir tree," signifying strength, stability, and a connection to nature.
122. **Teitelbaum:** A German surname meaning "dough tree," reflecting a connection to baking or a symbol of abundance.
123. **Thaler:** A German surname meaning "valley," reflecting a location or a symbol of peace and tranquility.
124. **Tobias:** A Hebrew surname meaning "God is good," expressing gratitude for divine goodness.
125. **Trachtenberg:** A German surname meaning "dream mountain," reflecting a connection to dreams, imagination, or a desire for elevation.
126. **Ullman:** A German surname meaning "owl man," possibly signifying wisdom, insight, or a connection to the night.
127. **Urbach:** A German surname meaning "ancient town," reflecting a location or a sense of history.
128. **Valenstein:** A German surname meaning "strong stone," symbolizing strength and resilience.
129. **Vaisman:** A Hebrew surname meaning "man of faith," expressing strong religious belief.
130. **Victor:** A Latin surname meaning "conqueror," signifying strength, victory, and triumph.
131. **Weinstein:** A German surname meaning "wine stone," reflecting a connection to winemaking or a symbol of celebration.
132. **Weiss:** A German surname meaning "white," reflecting purity, cleanliness, or a connection to the color white.
133. **Weisberg:** A German surname meaning "white mountain," reflecting a picturesque location or a symbol of purity and strength.
134. **Wexler:** A German surname meaning "exchange," possibly reflecting an occupation related to trade or a connection to currency.
135. **Wiener:** A German surname meaning "Viennese," indicating ancestry from Vienna.
136. **Wilensky:** A German surname meaning "wild man," potentially signifying a free spirit or a connection to nature.
137. **Williams:** An English surname derived from the name "William," meaning "resolute protector."
138. **Wolf:** A German surname meaning "wolf," signifying strength, courage, and cunning.
139. **Wolff:** A German surname meaning "wolf," signifying strength, courage, and cunning.
140. **Yanover:** A Hebrew surname meaning "God is my answer," expressing reliance on divine guidance.
141. **Yankelovich:** A Hebrew surname meaning "God is merciful," expressing gratitude for divine kindness.
142. **Zaslavsky:** A Hebrew surname meaning "God's protection," signifying divine shield and care.
143. **Zeligman:** A Hebrew surname meaning "God's man," expressing devotion and service to God.
144. **Zimmerman:** A German surname meaning "room man," possibly reflecting a role in construction or a connection to a specific building.
145. **Zuckerman:** A German surname meaning "sugar man," reflecting a connection to the sweetening industry or a desire for sweetness.