Common Last Names in Germany: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the most common last names in Germany? This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the origins and meanings behind some of the most popular surnames in the country. From traditional family names to those reflecting occupations and geographical locations, we delve into the fascinating world of German last names, revealing their rich history and cultural significance. Whether you're researching your own family history or simply curious about the most prevalent surnames in Germany, this list offers valuable insights into the diverse tapestry of German names.
1. **Müller:** From the Middle High German word "mūler," meaning "miller." This name is derived from the common occupation of grinding grain.
2. **Schmidt:** From the Middle High German word "smid," meaning "smith," referring to blacksmiths.
3. **Schneider:** From the Middle High German word "sneider," meaning "tailor."
4. **Fischer:** From the Middle High German word "fischer," meaning "fisherman."
5. **Weber:** From the Middle High German word "weber," meaning "weaver."
6. **Meyer:** From the Middle High German word "meier," meaning "farmer" or "tenant."
7. **Wagner:** From the Middle High German word "wagener," meaning "wagon maker."
8. **Becker:** From the Middle High German word "bäcker," meaning "baker."
9. **Schulz:** From the Middle High German word "schulze," meaning "village official."
10. **Hoffmann:** From the Middle High German word "hofmann," meaning "court official" or "nobleman."
11. **Schäfer:** From the Middle High German word "schäfer," meaning "shepherd."
12. **Koch:** From the Middle High German word "koch," meaning "cook."
13. **Bauer:** From the Middle High German word "bauer," meaning "farmer."
14. **Klein:** From the Middle High German word "klein," meaning "small."
15. **Wolf:** From the Old High German word "wulf," meaning "wolf."
16. **Braun:** From the Middle High German word "braun," meaning "brown."
17. **Schwarz:** From the Middle High German word "swarz," meaning "black."
18. **Weiß:** From the Middle High German word "weiz," meaning "white."
19. **Krause:** From the Middle High German word "krūs," meaning "curly" or "wavy."
20. **Zimmermann:** From the Middle High German word "zimmermann," meaning "carpenter."
21. **Hartmann:** From the Old High German name "Hartmunt," meaning "strong in mind."
22. **Kuhn:** From the Middle High German word "kühn," meaning "bold" or "brave."
23. **Maier:** From the Middle High German word "meier," meaning "farmer" or "tenant."
24. **Friedrich:** From the Old High German name "Fridurih," meaning "peaceful ruler."
25. **Schröder:** From the Middle High German word "schrōder," meaning "tailor."
26. **König:** From the Middle High German word "könig," meaning "king."
27. **Peters:** From the Greek name "Petros," meaning "stone" or "rock."
28. **Müller:** From the Middle High German word "mūler," meaning "miller."
29. **Schmitt:** From the Middle High German word "smid," meaning "smith."
30. **Werner:** From the Old High German name "Wernher," meaning "protector of the army."
31. **Siebert:** From the Old High German name "Sieghard," meaning "victorious protector."
32. **Huber:** From the Middle High German word "hube," meaning "farm" or "estate."
33. **Lang:** From the Middle High German word "lang," meaning "long."
34. **Langer:** From the Middle High German word "lang," meaning "long."
35. **Schröder:** From the Middle High German word "schrōder," meaning "tailor."
36. **Meyer:** From the Middle High German word "meier," meaning "farmer" or "tenant."
37. **Schulze:** From the Middle High German word "schulze," meaning "village official."
38. **Schmidt:** From the Middle High German word "smid," meaning "smith."
39. **Becker:** From the Middle High German word "bäcker," meaning "baker."
40. **Fischer:** From the Middle High German word "fischer," meaning "fisherman."
41. **Bauer:** From the Middle High German word "bauer," meaning "farmer."
42. **Schäfer:** From the Middle High German word "schäfer," meaning "shepherd."
43. **Hoffmann:** From the Middle High German word "hofmann," meaning "court official" or "nobleman."
44. **Wagner:** From the Middle High German word "wagener," meaning "wagon maker."
45. **Koch:** From the Middle High German word "koch," meaning "cook."
46. **Klein:** From the Middle High German word "klein," meaning "small."
47. **Krause:** From the Middle High German word "krūs," meaning "curly" or "wavy."
48. **Weiß:** From the Middle High German word "weiz," meaning "white."
49. **Schwarz:** From the Middle High German word "swarz," meaning "black."
50. **Braun:** From the Middle High German word "braun," meaning "brown."