Most Common Jewish Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

This article provides a detailed list of the most common Jewish last names, along with their meanings and origins. We explore the rich history and cultural significance behind these surnames, shedding light on the diverse heritage of Jewish people. Discover the stories behind the names that have been passed down through generations and continue to resonate with Jewish communities worldwide.
1. **Cohen:** Meaning "priest" in Hebrew, it is the most common Jewish surname globally. It is derived from the priestly tribe of Levi, specifically the line of Aaron.
2. **Levi:** A surname derived from the Hebrew word for "joined," it refers to the Levites, the priestly tribe in Jewish tradition. It is a common surname among descendants of the Levites.
3. **Goldberg:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname, it means "golden mountain" in Yiddish, possibly referencing a prosperous location or family status.
4. **Katz:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the German word "Katz," meaning "cat." It may have originated from a nickname given to someone with cat-like traits.
5. **Greenberg:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname meaning "green mountain" in Yiddish, suggesting a location with verdant landscapes or prosperous conditions.
6. **Silverman:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish word "zilber," meaning "silver." It might have originated from a profession related to silver or as a descriptive name for someone with silver hair.
7. **Rosenberg:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname meaning "rose mountain" in Yiddish. It likely refers to a place known for its roses or signifies a prosperous and beautiful location.
8. **Steinberg:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname meaning "stone mountain" in Yiddish. It may refer to a location with rocky terrain or symbolize strength and resilience.
9. **Brown:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the English word "brown," possibly describing someone with brown hair or complexion. It could also refer to a place with brown soil or vegetation.
10. **Kaplan:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew word "kaplan," meaning "chaplain." It may have been a hereditary title for religious officials or a descriptive surname for someone involved in religious duties.
11. **Klein:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the German word "klein," meaning "small." It may have been a descriptive name for someone of short stature or a nickname given to someone considered small or insignificant.
12. **Weinstein:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish word "vajn," meaning "wine," and "shtayn," meaning "stone." It may have been a nickname for someone who owned a wine cellar or lived near a stone building associated with wine production.
13. **Miller:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the English word "miller," referring to someone who grinds grain into flour. It suggests an occupation or location associated with flour production.
14. **Schneider:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the German word "Schneider," meaning "tailor." It signifies an occupation related to tailoring and clothing production.
15. **Cohen:** A common Sephardi Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew word "Cohen," meaning "priest." It is shared with Ashkenazi Jews and refers to the priestly tribe of Levi.
16. **Ben-David:** A common Sephardi Jewish surname meaning "son of David" in Hebrew. It references King David, an important figure in Jewish history and tradition.
17. **Levi:** A common Sephardi Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew word for "joined," referring to the Levites, the priestly tribe. It is shared with Ashkenazi Jews.
18. **Sasson:** A common Sephardi Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew word "sasson," meaning "joy" or "celebration." It might have been given as a nickname or a symbol of good fortune.
19. **Abraham:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Abraham," considered the father of Judaism. It may have been passed down through generations or given as a symbol of faith.
20. **Isaac:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Isaac," the son of Abraham and the patriarch of the Israelites. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of lineage.
21. **Jacob:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Jacob," the son of Isaac and the ancestor of the twelve tribes of Israel. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of heritage.
22. **David:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "David," the second king of Israel and a significant figure in Jewish history and tradition. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of royalty.
23. **Samuel:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Samuel," a prophet and judge in the Hebrew Bible. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of faith and leadership.
24. **Joseph:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Joseph," the son of Jacob and the ancestor of the tribe of Ephraim. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of lineage.
25. **Benjamin:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Benjamin," the youngest son of Jacob and the ancestor of the tribe of Benjamin. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of lineage.
26. **Aaron:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Aaron," the brother of Moses and the first High Priest of Israel. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of priesthood.
27. **Moshe:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Moshe," the prophet and leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of liberation.
28. **Daniel:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Daniel," a prophet and wise man known for his interpretations of dreams. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of wisdom.
29. **Nathan:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Nathan," a prophet and advisor to King David. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of wisdom and guidance.
30. **Solomon:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Solomon," the third king of Israel and known for his wisdom and wealth. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of royalty and prosperity.
31. **Simon:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Simon," one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and a prominent figure in early Christianity. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of faith.
32. **Raphael:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Raphael," an archangel in Jewish tradition associated with healing and protection. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of faith.
33. **Michael:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Michael," an archangel in Jewish tradition associated with strength and protection. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of faith.
34. **Gabriel:** A common Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew name "Gabriel," an archangel in Jewish tradition associated with communication and revelation. It may have been a hereditary name or a symbol of faith.
35. **Goldstein:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish words "gold," meaning "gold," and "shtayn," meaning "stone." It may have been a nickname for someone with a golden stone or a reference to a location with gold deposits.
36. **Shapiro:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew word "shapir," meaning "beautiful." It may have been a nickname for someone considered attractive or a reference to a beautiful location.
37. **Lipshitz:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish word "lip," meaning "lip," and "shitz," meaning "seat." It may have been a nickname for someone who had full lips or a reference to a location with a specific type of chair.
38. **Rosenthal:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish words "rose," meaning "rose," and "tal," meaning "valley." It may have been a nickname for someone who lived in a rose valley or a reference to a beautiful and fertile location.
39. **Rabinowitz:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish word "rabbiner," meaning "rabbi," and "witz," meaning "small." It may have been a nickname for someone who was a small rabbi or a reference to someone who had a small rabbinical school.
40. **Silver:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the English word "silver," possibly referring to a profession related to silver or as a descriptive name for someone with silver hair.
41. **Friedman:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish words "frid," meaning "peace," and "mann," meaning "man." It may have been a nickname for someone considered peaceful or a reference to someone who was a man of peace.
42. **Feldman:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish words "feld," meaning "field," and "mann," meaning "man." It may have been a nickname for someone who lived in a field or a reference to someone who worked in a field.
43. **Green:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the English word "green," possibly referring to a location with green vegetation or as a descriptive name for someone with green eyes or hair.
44. **Gordon:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the English word "Gordon," possibly a place name or a family name of Scottish origin. It may have been adopted by Jewish families through migration or intermarriage.
45. **Fisher:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the English word "fisher," referring to someone who catches fish. It may have been a nickname for someone who lived near water or a reference to someone who was a fisherman.
46. **Frank:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the German word "Frank," meaning "free." It may have been a nickname for someone who was considered free-spirited or a reference to someone who was free from oppression.
47. **Harris:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the English word "Harris," possibly a place name or a family name of Germanic origin. It may have been adopted by Jewish families through migration or intermarriage.
48. **Robinson:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the English word "Robinson," possibly a place name or a family name of Norman origin. It may have been adopted by Jewish families through migration or intermarriage.
49. **Goldman:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the Yiddish words "gold," meaning "gold," and "mann," meaning "man." It may have been a nickname for someone considered wealthy or a reference to someone who was a man of gold.
50. **Cooper:** A common Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the English word "cooper," referring to someone who makes barrels. It may have been a nickname for someone who lived near a barrel maker or a reference to someone who was a cooper.