German Family Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for a unique and meaningful German family name? This guide provides an extensive list of popular and lesser-known German surnames, along with detailed explanations of their origins and meanings. Whether you're interested in exploring your family history or simply seeking inspiration for a new character name, this compilation offers a wealth of information. Let's delve into the fascinating world of German family names!
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Adler | Eagle |
| Albrecht | Noble brightness |
| Bauer | Farmer |
| Becker | Baker |
| Bergmann | Mountain man |
| Berger | Mountain dweller |
| Binder | Binder |
| Bock | Goat |
| Braun | Brown |
| Breuer | Brewer |
| Busch | Bush |
| Fischer | Fisher |
| Fleischer | Butcher |
| Friedrich | Peaceful ruler |
| Fuchs | Fox |
| Gartner | Gardener |
| Geiger | Fiddler |
| Geissler | Goat herder |
| Glaser | Glazier |
| Goldschmidt | Goldsmith |
| Graf | Count |
| Hartmann | Strong as a warrior |
| Hauer | Cutter |
| Heinrich | Ruler of the house |
| Heller | Bright |
| Hermann | Army man |
| Herzog | Duke |
| Hoffmann | Courtyard man |
| Holz | Wood |
| Huber | Owner of a farm |
| Jäger | Hunter |
| Kaiser | Emperor |
| Koch | Cook |
| Kraus | Curly-haired |
| Lehmann | Tenant |
| Lenz | Spring |
| Liebmann | Beloved man |
| Lorenz | Laurel wreath |
| Maier | Steward |
| Marx | Horse |
| Mayer | Mayor |
| Meier | Steward |
| Müller | Miller |
| Neumann | New man |
| Oberg | Upper |
| Pfaff | Priest |
| Richter | Judge |
| Roth | Red |
| Schäfer | Shepherd |
| Schmidt | Smith |
| Schneider | Tailor |
| Scholz | Steward |
| Schulz | Steward |
| Schuster | Shoemaker |
| Schwarz | Black |
| Seeger | Sailor |
| Seifert | Silk weaver |
| Simon | Hearing |
| Sommer | Summer |
| Stein | Stone |
| Steiner | Stone worker |
| Steiger | Climber |
| Straub | Strong |
| Strauss | Bush |
| Weber | Weaver |
| Weiss | White |
| Werner | Defender |
| Winkler | Wine maker |
| Wolf | Wolf |
| Zimmermann | Carpenter |