Amish Last Names: A Guide to Common Surnames and Their Origins

Are you curious about the origins and meanings behind Amish last names? The Amish community, known for its simple lifestyle and traditional values, has a rich history reflected in its surnames. This list explores some of the most common Amish last names, delving into their unique meanings and revealing the stories behind these enduring family names.
1. **Beiler:** Meaning "dweller by a stream" or "one who lives by a stream," this name originated in Germany.
2. **Bontrager:** A combination of the German words "bunt" (colorful) and "trager" (carrier), suggesting a lively and resourceful personality.
3. **Byler:** A variant of "Beiler," indicating a connection to a specific location near a stream.
4. **Hershberger:** Derived from the German word "Hersberger," meaning "mountain dweller."
5. **Hochstetler:** Derived from the German word "Hochstetter," meaning "one who comes from a high place."
6. **Hostetler:** A variant of "Hochstetler," possibly reflecting regional variations in pronunciation or spelling.
7. **Kauffman:** Originating from the German word "Kaufmann," meaning "merchant" or "trader."
8. **King:** An English surname denoting a person of royal lineage or possessing a high social status.
9. **Kline:** Derived from the German word "klein," meaning "small" or "little," possibly indicating a small stature or humble beginnings.
10. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
11. **Mullett:** A variant of "Miller," suggesting a connection to the same occupation.
12. **Nolt:** A surname of Germanic origin, its meaning is uncertain but may relate to a place name.
13. **Peachey:** A surname of English origin, possibly derived from the place name Peachey in Kent.
14. **Schmucker:** Originating from the German word "Schmucker," meaning "decorator" or "beautifier."
15. **Stoltzfus:** Derived from the German word "Stolz," meaning "pride" or "courage."
16. **Troyer:** A surname of German origin, possibly derived from the place name Troyer or a personal name.
17. **Yoder:** A surname of German origin, meaning "one who comes from the valley" or "dweller of the valley."
18. **Zimmerman:** Originating from the German word "Zimmermann," meaning "carpenter" or "woodworker."
19. **Yoder:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a carpenter.
20. **Amish:** This surname, while uncommon, exists among the Amish community, likely signifying a connection to the religious group.
21. **Weaver:** An occupational surname for someone who wove cloth.
22. **Gingerich:** A surname of German origin, possibly derived from the place name Gingerich or a personal name.
23. **Eicher:** A surname of German origin, meaning "one who comes from the oak tree."
24. **Fisher:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a fisherman.
25. **Helmuth:** A surname of German origin, meaning "helmet" or "protector."
26. **Lapp:** A surname of German origin, meaning "patch" or "piece," possibly indicating a connection to a specific location or occupation.
27. **Lehman:** A surname of German origin, meaning "tenant farmer" or "landlord."
28. **Mast:** A surname of German origin, meaning "master" or "teacher."
29. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
30. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller.
31. **Musser:** A surname of German origin, its meaning is uncertain but may relate to a place name.
32. **Nicely:** A surname of English origin, meaning "nice" or "pleasing."
33. **Rabenstein:** A surname of German origin, meaning "raven stone" or "rock of the raven."
34. **Smith:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a blacksmith.
35. **Stutzman:** A surname of German origin, meaning "one who is stubborn" or "firm."
36. **Swartzentruber:** A surname of German origin, meaning "blacksmith" or "worker in black."
37. **Wagler:** A surname of German origin, meaning "wagon maker" or "cartwright."
38. **Wenger:** A surname of German origin, meaning "warrior" or "defender."
39. **Whitmer:** A surname of German origin, meaning "white farmer" or "farmer of white land."
40. **Zook:** A surname of German origin, its meaning is uncertain but may relate to a place name.