Common German Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

This article explores the rich history and cultural significance of common German last names. Germany boasts a diverse and fascinating landscape of surnames, often reflecting historical occupations, geographical origins, or even personal characteristics. We delve into the etymology of these names, providing a detailed understanding of their meanings and origins.
| Last Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **Bauer** | Farmer |
| **Becker** | Baker |
| **Berger** | Mountain dweller |
| **Bergmann** | Miner |
| **Böhme** | From Bohemia |
| **Braun** | Brown |
| **Busch** | Bush |
| **Fischer** | Fisherman |
| **Fuchs** | Fox |
| **Gärtner** | Gardener |
| **Geiger** | Fiddler |
| **Glaser** | Glazier |
| **Goldberg** | Golden mountain |
| **Grimm** | Grim |
| **Hahn** | Rooster |
| **Hartmann** | Strong man |
| **Heine** | Home |
| **Heller** | Bright |
| **Hermann** | Army man |
| **Hoffmann** | Guardian of the home |
| **Huber** | Farmer |
| **Jäger** | Hunter |
| **Kaiser** | Emperor |
| **Keller** | Cellar |
| **Klein** | Small |
| **Koch** | Cook |
| **Kraus** | Curly-haired |
| **Kuhn** | Son |
| **Lange** | Long |
| **Lehmann** | Tenant |
| **Leutner** | Person who makes people |
| **Lenz** | Spring |
| **Meyer** | Farmer |
| **Müller** | Miller |
| **Neumann** | New man |
| **Peters** | Son of Peter |
| **Pfeiffer** | Piper |
| **Schmidt** | Blacksmith |
| **Schneider** | Tailor |
| **Schröder** | Writer |
| **Schumacher** | Shoemaker |
| **Schulz** | Steward |
| **Seidel** | Cup |
| **Siebert** | From Siebert |
| **Simon** | Listener |
| **Sommer** | Summer |
| **Steiner** | Stone |
| **Wagner** | Wagon maker |
| **Weber** | Weaver |
| **Weiss** | White |
| **Winkler** | Wine maker |
| **Zimmermann** | Carpenter |