Common German Last Names: A Comprehensive List

Looking for common German last names? This comprehensive list provides a wealth of information on the origins and meanings of some of the most prevalent surnames in Germany. From traditional family names to those with unique historical significance, this guide will help you explore the diverse landscape of German last names and their fascinating stories.
1. **Müller:** Miller, meaning someone who grinds grain.
2. **Schmidt:** Smith, meaning someone who works with metal.
3. **Schneider:** Tailor, meaning someone who sews clothes.
4. **Fischer:** Fisher, meaning someone who catches fish.
5. **Weber:** Weaver, meaning someone who weaves cloth.
6. **Meyer:** Farmer, meaning someone who works the land.
7. **Becker:** Baker, meaning someone who bakes bread.
8. **Schulz:** Schoolmaster, meaning someone who teaches in a school.
9. **Hoffmann:** Hofmann, meaning someone who lives near a courtyard.
10. **Bauer:** Farmer, meaning someone who works the land.
11. **Koch:** Cook, meaning someone who prepares food.
12. **Wagner:** Wagoner, meaning someone who makes or drives wagons.
13. **Schäfer:** Shepherd, meaning someone who herds sheep.
14. **Klein:** Small, meaning someone of small stature.
15. **Zimmermann:** Carpenter, meaning someone who works with wood.
16. **Schuster:** Shoemaker, meaning someone who makes shoes.
17. **Krause:** Curly, meaning someone with curly hair.
18. **Maier:** Wall, meaning someone who lives near a wall.
19. **Schröder:** Tailor, meaning someone who sews clothes.
20. **Hartmann:** Strong man, meaning someone who is strong and brave.
21. **Schwarz:** Black, meaning someone with dark hair or complexion.
22. **Lange:** Long, meaning someone who is tall.
23. **Friedrich:** Peaceful ruler, meaning someone who rules justly.
24. **Walter:** Ruler of the army, meaning someone who leads a military force.
25. **Hermann:** Army man, meaning someone who is a soldier.
26. **Werner:** Defender of the army, meaning someone who protects a military force.
27. **Heinrich:** Ruler of the house, meaning someone who governs a home.
28. **Wilhelm:** Willful protector, meaning someone who protects with determination.
29. **Karl:** Free man, meaning someone who is independent.
30. **Klaus:** Anchor, meaning someone who is stable and reliable.
31. **Martin:** Dedicated to Mars, meaning someone who is strong and warlike.
32. **Frank:** Free, meaning someone who is independent.
33. **Thomas:** Twin, meaning someone who has a twin.
34. **Peter:** Rock, meaning someone who is strong and steadfast.
35. **Paul:** Small, meaning someone of small stature.
36. **Andreas:** Manly, meaning someone who is strong and courageous.
37. **Michael:** Who is like God, meaning someone who resembles God in some way.
38. **Stephan:** Crown, meaning someone who is a ruler or leader.
39. **Christian:** Follower of Christ, meaning someone who follows the teachings of Jesus.
40. **David:** Beloved, meaning someone who is loved by God.
41. **Daniel:** God is my judge, meaning someone who seeks justice from God.
42. **Johannes:** God is gracious, meaning someone who is favored by God.
43. **Jakob:** Supplanter, meaning someone who takes the place of another.
44. **Markus:** Dedicated to Mars, meaning someone who is strong and warlike.
45. **Philipp:** Lover of horses, meaning someone who enjoys horses.
46. **Matthias:** Gift of Yahweh, meaning someone who is a gift from God.
47. **Lukas:** Light, meaning someone who is a source of light.
48. **Raphael:** God has healed, meaning someone who has been healed by God.
49. **Gabriel:** God is my strength, meaning someone who finds strength in God.
50. **Joachim:** Yahweh raises, meaning someone who is raised up by God.