Most Common German Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in Germany? This comprehensive guide will provide you with a list of the top German surnames, along with their detailed meanings. Discover the rich history and cultural significance behind these prevalent names, gaining a deeper understanding of German genealogy and heritage.
1. **Müller:** Miller; originally a professional name for someone who grinds grain.
2. **Schmidt:** Smith; a common occupational name for someone who works with metal.
3. **Schneider:** Tailor; a surname indicating someone who makes clothes.
4. **Fischer:** Fisherman; originally a professional name for someone who catches fish.
5. **Weber:** Weaver; an occupational surname for someone who weaves cloth.
6. **Meyer:** Mayor; a surname derived from the title of "mayor" or "administrator."
7. **Wagner:** Wagon maker; a surname indicating someone who builds wagons.
8. **Becker:** Baker; a surname indicating someone who bakes bread.
9. **Schulz:** Schoolmaster; a surname for someone who works in a school.
10. **Hoffmann:** Hofman; a surname for a worker in a royal court or estate.
11. **Bauer:** Farmer; an occupational surname for someone who works on a farm.
12. **Schröder:** Woodcutter; a surname indicating someone who cuts wood.
13. **Koch:** Cook; a surname indicating someone who cooks food.
14. **Klein:** Small; a surname indicating someone who is small in stature or has a small business.
15. **Zimmermann:** Carpenter; a surname for someone who builds houses or furniture.
16. **Schuster:** Shoemaker; an occupational surname for someone who makes shoes.
17. **Krause:** Curly-haired; a surname describing someone with curly hair.
18. **Lange:** Long; a surname describing someone who is tall or has a long body.
19. **Peters:** Son of Peter; a patronymic surname indicating someone's father was named Peter.
20. **Köhler:** Coal burner; a surname for someone who burns charcoal or makes coal.
21. **Schulze:** Tax collector; a surname for someone who collects taxes.
22. **Friedrich:** Peaceful ruler; a given name that became a surname.
23. **Hermann:** Army man; a given name that became a surname.
24. **Wolf:** Wolf; a surname indicating someone who is strong and independent.
25. **Schmitt:** Smith; a variant of "Schmidt," indicating someone who works with metal.
26. **Schwarz:** Black; a surname describing someone with dark hair or complexion.
27. **Roth:** Red; a surname describing someone with red hair or complexion.
28. **Jung:** Young; a surname describing someone who is young.
29. **Kuhn:** Son of the king; a surname indicating someone who is a descendant of a king.
30. **Huber:** Farmer; a surname indicating someone who works on a farm.
31. **Hartmann:** Strong man; a surname indicating someone who is physically strong.
32. **Neumann:** New man; a surname indicating someone who is new to a place or community.
33. **Walter:** Ruler of the army; a given name that became a surname.
34. **Werner:** Defender of the army; a given name that became a surname.
35. **Braun:** Brown; a surname describing someone with brown hair or complexion.
36. **Siebert:** Man of the sieve; a surname indicating someone who works with sieves.
37. **Heinrich:** Ruler of the house; a given name that became a surname.
38. **Klaus:** Anchor; a given name that became a surname.
39. **Sommer:** Summer; a surname indicating someone who was born during the summer.
40. **Haas:** Hare; a surname indicating someone who is quick and nimble.