German Last Names Starting with H: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for German last names that start with the letter "H"? This comprehensive guide provides a detailed list of over 40 common and unique German surnames beginning with "H," along with their origins and meanings. Whether you're researching your family history, creating a character for a story, or simply curious about the rich heritage of German names, this list offers valuable insights into the fascinating world of German surnames.
1. **Haase:** Hare, rabbit. This name is derived from the Old High German word "haso," which means "hare" or "rabbit." It is a common surname in Germany, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
2. **Haber:** Oats, barley. This surname originates from the Middle High German word "haber," meaning "oats" or "barley." It may have been given to someone who worked with or grew oats or barley, or who lived near a field of oats.
3. **Hagen:** Enclosure, hedge. This name comes from the Old High German word "hagan," which means "enclosure" or "hedge." It may have referred to a place where a person lived, worked, or was born.
4. **Hahn:** Rooster. This surname originates from the Old High German word "hahn," meaning "rooster." It was likely given to someone who was known for being a rooster breeder, or who was associated with the rooster in some other way.
5. **Halberstadt:** Half-city, half-town. This surname is derived from the German city of Halberstadt, which was named for its location halfway between two other cities.
6. **Hall:** Hall, large room. This surname originates from the Old High German word "hall," meaning "hall" or "large room." It may have been given to someone who lived in a large house or building, or who worked in a hall.
7. **Hammer:** Hammer. This surname originates from the Old High German word "hammer," meaning "hammer." It may have been given to someone who was a blacksmith or who worked with a hammer.
8. **Hansen:** Son of Hans. This surname is a patronymic, meaning it is derived from a father's name. In this case, it is derived from the name Hans, which is a popular German name.
9. **Hartmann:** Man of the heart, strong man. This surname is derived from the Old High German words "hart" (strong) and "mann" (man). It was likely given to someone who was known for being strong or brave.
10. **Hartung:** Strong one. This surname is derived from the Old High German word "hart," meaning "strong." It was likely given to someone who was known for being physically strong or resilient.
11. **Hasenclever:** Hare's cleverness. This surname is derived from the Old High German words "hase" (hare) and "klug" (clever). It may have been given to someone who was known for being cunning or resourceful.
12. **Hauck:** Hawk. This surname originates from the Old High German word "hauk," meaning "hawk." It may have been given to someone who was known for being a skilled hunter or who was associated with the hawk in some other way.
13. **Hauser:** House, home. This surname originates from the Old High German word "hus," meaning "house" or "home." It may have been given to someone who lived in a particular house or who worked with houses in some way.
14. **Haußmann:** Houseman. This surname is a combination of the Old High German words "hus" (house) and "mann" (man). It may have been given to someone who was responsible for maintaining or managing a house.
15. **Hecht:** Pike. This surname originates from the Old High German word "hecht," meaning "pike." It may have been given to someone who was known for being a skilled fisherman or who lived near a body of water where pike were abundant.
16. **Heidemann:** Heath man. This surname is derived from the Old High German words "heide" (heath) and "mann" (man). It may have been given to someone who lived on or worked on the heath, which is a type of open, uncultivated land.
17. **Heinrich:** Ruler of the house. This name is derived from the Old High German words "heim" (home) and "rīch" (ruler). It was a popular name in Germany, particularly among royalty.
18. **Held:** Hero. This surname originates from the Old High German word "held," meaning "hero." It may have been given to someone who was known for being brave or courageous.
19. **Heller:** Bright, clear. This surname is derived from the Old High German word "heller," meaning "bright" or "clear." It may have been given to someone who had light hair or eyes.
20. **Henkel:** Handle. This surname originates from the Old High German word "henkel," meaning "handle." It may have been given to someone who made or used handles.
21. **Hermann:** Man of the army. This name is derived from the Old High German words "her" (army) and "mann" (man). It was a popular name in Germany, particularly among warriors.
22. **Herzog:** Duke. This surname is derived from the Old High German word "herzog," meaning "duke." It was a title of nobility given to rulers of certain territories in Germany.
23. **Hesse:** Hessian. This surname originates from the German state of Hesse. It may have been given to someone who was born or lived in Hesse, or who was of Hessian origin.
24. **Hess:** Hessian. This surname is a shortened form of Hesse. It may have been given to someone who was born or lived in Hesse, or who was of Hessian origin.
25. **Hildebrandt:** Brand (fire) of battle. This surname is derived from the Old High German words "hild" (battle) and "brant" (fire). It may have been given to someone who was known for being a brave warrior or who was involved in a battle.
26. **Hoffmann:** Man of the court, man of the farm. This surname is derived from the Old High German word "hof," meaning "court" or "farm." It may have been given to someone who worked at a royal court or who lived on a farm.
27. **Holm:** Island, small island. This surname originates from the Old High German word "holm," meaning "island" or "small island." It may have been given to someone who lived on an island or who was associated with an island in some other way.
28. **Holz:** Wood. This surname originates from the Old High German word "holz," meaning "wood." It may have been given to someone who worked with wood, or who lived near a forest.
29. **Honig:** Honey. This surname originates from the Old High German word "honig," meaning "honey." It may have been given to someone who was a beekeeper or who was associated with honey in some other way.
30. **Horn:** Horn. This surname originates from the Old High German word "horn," meaning "horn." It may have been given to someone who was a hunter or who used horns in some other way.
31. **Horst:** Hill, wooded area. This surname originates from the Old High German word "horst," meaning "hill" or "wooded area." It may have been given to someone who lived on a hill or in a wooded area.
32. **Huber:** Farmer, owner of a farm. This surname is derived from the Old High German word "hub," meaning "farm." It may have been given to someone who owned or worked on a farm.
33. **Hübner:** Farmer. This surname is a shortened form of Huber. It may have been given to someone who owned or worked on a farm.
34. **Hufnagel:** Horseshoe nail. This surname is derived from the Old High German words "huf" (hoof) and "nagel" (nail). It may have been given to someone who was a blacksmith who made or used horseshoe nails.
35. **Hummel:** Bumblebee. This surname originates from the Old High German word "hummel," meaning "bumblebee." It may have been given to someone who was known for being busy or who was associated with bumblebees in some other way.
36. **Hundt:** Dog. This surname originates from the Old High German word "hund," meaning "dog." It may have been given to someone who was a dog breeder or who was known for owning or caring for dogs.
37. **Huth:** Hat. This surname originates from the Old High German word "hût," meaning "hat." It may have been given to someone who was a hat maker or who was known for wearing hats.
38. **Hutter:** Hut maker. This surname is derived from the Old High German word "hût," meaning "hat." It may have been given to someone who was a hat maker.
39. **Ihle:** Willow. This surname originates from the Old High German word "ihle," meaning "willow." It may have been given to someone who lived near a willow tree or who was associated with willow trees in some other way.
40. **Jung:** Young. This surname originates from the Old High German word "jung," meaning "young." It may have been given to someone who was a young person, or who was known for being youthful or energetic.