Most Common German Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for a comprehensive list of the most common German last names? Look no further! This guide provides detailed information on the origins and meanings of some of the most prevalent surnames in Germany. Whether you're researching your family history, writing a fictional character, or simply curious about German culture, this list will be a valuable resource. Discover the diverse stories behind these names, tracing their roots back to medieval times, regional variations, and the rich tapestry of German history.
| Last Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Müller | Miller |
| Schmidt | Smith |
| Schneider | Tailor |
| Fischer | Fisherman |
| Weber | Weaver |
| Meyer | Farmer |
| Wagner | Wagon Maker |
| Becker | Baker |
| Schulz | Steward |
| Hoffmann | Courtman |
| Bauer | Farmer |
| Koch | Cook |
| Klein | Small |
| Wolf | Wolf |
| Braun | Brown |
| Schwarz | Black |
| König | King |
| Richter | Judge |
| Zimmermann | Carpenter |
| Schulz | Steward |
| Krause | Curly |
| Neumann | New Man |
| Hofmann | Courtman |
| Müller | Miller |
| Schmidt | Smith |
| Schneider | Tailor |
| Fischer | Fisherman |
| Weber | Weaver |
| Meyer | Farmer |
| Wagner | Wagon Maker |
| Becker | Baker |
| Schulz | Steward |
| Hoffmann | Courtman |
| Bauer | Farmer |
| Koch | Cook |
| Klein | Small |
| Wolf | Wolf |
| Braun | Brown |
| Schwarz | Black |
| König | King |
| Richter | Judge |
| Zimmermann | Carpenter |
| Schulz | Steward |
| Krause | Curly |
| Neumann | New Man |
| Hofmann | Courtman |
| Peters | Son of Peter |
| Krause | Curly |
| Schulz | Steward |
| Lehmann | Tenant |
| Dietrich | Rich in People |
| Albrecht | Noble Brightness |
| Walter | Ruler of the Army |
| Werner | Defender of the Army |
| Hermann | Army Man |
| Heinrich | Ruler of the House |
| Friedrich | Peaceful Ruler |
| Karl | Free Man |
| Wilhelm | Resolute Protector |
| Otto | Wealthy |
| Christian | Follower of Christ |
| Thomas | Twin |
| Paul | Small |
| Johann | God is Gracious |
| Georg | Farmer |
| Ludwig | Famous Warrior |
| Andreas | Manly |
| Martin | Warrior of Mars |
| Michael | Who is like God? |
| Daniel | God is My Judge |
| Markus | Dedicated to Mars |
| Matthias | Gift of God |
| David | Beloved |
| Stefan | Crown |
| Alexander | Defender of Mankind |
| Maximilian | Greatest |
| Sebastian | Revered |
| Philipp | Lover of Horses |
| Felix | Lucky |
| Jakob | Supplanter |
| Benjamin | Son of the Right Hand |
| Daniel | God is My Judge |
| Jonas | Dove |
| Samuel | God Has Heard |
| Matthias | Gift of God |
| Simon | Listener |
| Lukas | Light |
| Tobias | God is Good |
| Daniel | God is My Judge |
| Simon | Listener |
| Jakob | Supplanter |
| Benjamin | Son of the Right Hand |
| Daniel | God is My Judge |
| Jonas | Dove |
| Samuel | God Has Heard |
| Matthias | Gift of God |
| Simon | Listener |
| Lukas | Light |
| Tobias | God is Good |