German Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Common and Unique Surnames

This comprehensive guide explores the fascinating world of German last names. From traditional family names to unique and uncommon surnames, discover the rich history and diverse origins of these identifiers. Dive into the meanings behind these names, often reflecting occupations, places of origin, or even personal characteristics.
1. **Bauer:** farmer, peasant
2. **Becker:** baker
3. **Berger:** mountain dweller, shepherd
4. **Böhme:** native of Bohemia
5. **Braun:** brown, dark
6. **Breuer:** brewer
7. **Busch:** bush, thicket
8. **Fischer:** fisherman
9. **Fuchs:** fox
10. **Gärtner:** gardener
11. **Geiger:** violinist
12. **Glaser:** glassmaker
13. **Goldberg:** golden mountain
14. **Gruber:** excavator, miner
15. **Hahn:** rooster
16. **Hartmann:** strong man
17. **Heinemann:** homeman
18. **Heller:** bright, clear
19. **Hoffmann:** farm worker
20. **Huber:** farm owner
21. **Koch:** cook
22. **Krämer:** merchant
23. **Kuhn:** son
24. **Lang:** long
25. **Lehmann:** teacher, tutor
26. **Lenz:** spring
27. **Meyer:** farmer
28. **Müller:** miller
29. **Neumann:** new man
30. **Oppermann:** top man, chief
31. **Peters:** son of Peter
32. **Pfeiffer:** piper
33. **Ritter:** knight
34. **Schmidt:** blacksmith
35. **Schneider:** tailor
36. **Schröder:** writer, scribe
37. **Schulz:** schoolmaster
38. **Schuster:** shoemaker
39. **Schwarz:** black
40. **Seidel:** small cup, goblet
41. **Simon:** listener, hearing
42. **Sommer:** summer
43. **Steiner:** stone worker
44. **Wagner:** wagon maker
45. **Weber:** weaver
46. **Wegner:** road maker
47. **Weiss:** white
48. **Werner:** defender
49. **Winkler:** winemaker
50. **Wolf:** wolf
51. **Zimmermann:** carpenter
52. **Ziegler:** brick maker
53. **Albrecht:** noble brightness
54. **Anton:** priceless
55. **Bernhard:** brave bear
56. **Christoph:** bearer of Christ
57. **Daniel:** God is my judge
58. **David:** beloved
59. **Eberhard:** brave as a boar
60. **Felix:** happy, lucky
61. **Franz:** free man
62. **Friedrich:** peaceful ruler
63. **Georg:** farmer
64. **Heinrich:** ruler of the house
65. **Hermann:** army man
66. **Johannes:** God is gracious
67. **Karl:** free man
68. **Klaus:** anchor, hermit
69. **Konrad:** bold counsellor
70. **Leonhard:** brave lion
71. **Ludwig:** famous warrior
72. **Markus:** hammer
73. **Martin:** war god Mars
74. **Matthias:** gift of God
75. **Michael:** who is like God?
76. **Paul:** small
77. **Peter:** rock, stone
78. **Philipp:** lover of horses
79. **Richard:** strong ruler
80. **Robert:** bright fame
81. **Rudolf:** famous wolf
82. **Sebastian:** reverence, veneration
83. **Stefan:** crown, wreath
84. **Thomas:** twin
85. **Valentin:** strong, healthy
86. **Wilhelm:** resolute protection
87. **Wolfgang:** wolf's journey
88. **Ackermann:** field man
89. **Arnold:** strong as an eagle
90. **Bartholomew:** son of Talmai
91. **Benedikt:** blessed
92. **Christian:** follower of Christ
93. **Clemens:** merciful
94. **Dietrich:** rich ruler
95. **Engelbert:** noble light
96. **Erich:** ever ruler
97. **Ferdinand:** brave traveller
98. **Gregor:** watchful
99. **Hans:** God is gracious
100. **Joachim:** Jehovah raises up