German Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Origins and Meanings

Discover the fascinating world of German last names! From common surnames like Schmidt and Müller to less familiar names like von Humboldt and Wittgenstein, this comprehensive guide will unveil the origins and meanings behind these unique identifiers. Learn about the historical and cultural influences that shaped German surnames, delve into the rich tapestry of regional variations, and uncover the secrets behind their intriguing etymology. Prepare to embark on a journey of linguistic exploration as we delve into the captivating world of German last names.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **Bauer** | Farmer |
| **Becker** | Baker |
| **Berg** | Mountain |
| **Berger** | Mountain dweller |
| **Bischoff** | Bishop |
| **Bock** | Goat |
| **Braun** | Brown |
| **Breuer** | Brewer |
| **Busch** | Bush |
| **Fischer** | Fisherman |
| **Fuchs** | Fox |
| **Gärtner** | Gardener |
| **Geiger** | Fiddler |
| **Gerber** | Tanner |
| **Glaser** | Glazier |
| **Goldberg** | Golden mountain |
| **Grimm** | Grim, fierce |
| **Hahn** | Rooster |
| **Hartmann** | Strong man |
| **Heidel** | Heather |
| **Heinemann** | Homeman |
| **Heller** | Bright |
| **Herbst** | Autumn |
| **Hoffmann** | Courtier |
| **Huber** | Farmer |
| **Jäger** | Hunter |
| **Kaiser** | Emperor |
| **Koch** | Cook |
| **König** | King |
| **Krause** | Curly |
| **Kuhn** | Son |
| **Lang** | Long |
| **Lehmann** | Teacher |
| **Lenz** | Spring |
| **Liebmann** | Beloved man |
| **Lorenz** | Laurel |
| **Ludwig** | Famous warrior |
| **Maier** | Steward |
| **Mann** | Man |
| **Mayer** | Mayor |
| **Meyer** | Tenant |
| **Müller** | Miller |
| **Neumann** | New man |
| **Otto** | Wealth |
| **Pfister** | Priest |
| **Reuter** | Rider |
| **Richter** | Judge |
| **Ritter** | Knight |
| **Schmidt** | Smith |
| **Schneider** | Tailor |
| **Schröder** | Writer |
| **Schulz** | Steward |
| **Schumacher** | Shoemaker |
| **Schwarz** | Black |
| **Seidel** | Brewer |
| **Simon** | Heard |
| **Sommer** | Summer |
| **Steiner** | Stone worker |
| **Strauss** | Bush |
| **Wagner** | Wagon maker |
| **Weber** | Weaver |
| **Weise** | Wise |
| **Werner** | Defender |
| **Wiese** | Meadow |
| **Winkler** | Wine maker |
| **Wolf** | Wolf |
| **Zimmermann** | Carpenter |