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In January 1871, Germany became a unified country. Until then, it was made up of smaller nation-states whose borders frequently changed. Even after 1871, Germany's land area and political influence shifted several times. Because of this, German last names can be found throughout bordering countries, including Poland, Austria, France, and Spain.
Today, German surnames reflect not only individual family histories but also Germany's regional identities and cultural richness.
The Origin of German Last Names
It wasn’t until the Middle Ages (in approximately the 12th century) that family names came into common use. Initially, they were mainly a way of distinguishing between people more easily, and as settlements grew into villages, and later towns and cities, descriptions of professions such as tailor, miller, and cobbler/shoemaker were attached to people’s first names using the Latin word ‘dictus’ (‘called’) e.g. ‘Hans dictus Krier’ (‘Hans who is called a soldier.’)
These were then passed down through each generation. In Germany, these occupational names still form the largest group of German surnames. They include Schneider (tailor), Fischer (fisherman), and Weber (weaver). Many of these professions no longer exist but survive in naming traditions.
If doing ancestry searches, you should be aware that in some areas of Germany, such as Westfalen, Hannover, Lippe-Detmold, Oldenburg, and Schlesien, there are exceptions to the rule which make research more complicated. The last name could, for example, also be what you would call a farm name. If a German moved onto someone else's farm estate (or Hof), it was not uncommon to change his last name to that of the farm. If his wife inherited a farm, he might change his name to her maiden name. It’s thought that this system dates back to the time of Charlemagne.
Most Common German Last Names
Some of the most common German surnames today still showcase the occupations and roles of previous generations that were central to Germanic society centuries ago, including the following.
- Becker - Baker
- Engel - Angel
- Fischer - Fisherman
- Frank - Free or someone from the Frankish Empire
- Hoffman - Steward or farmer
- Hoffmann – Steward or farm laborer
- Krüger - Potter or innkeeper
- Lange - Long, likely a nickname for a tall person
- Meyer – A farmer or bailiff
- Müller – Miller
- Roth - Red, often referring to a ruddy complexion
- Schmidt – Smith or blacksmith
- Schneider – Tailor
- Schulz – Village leader or constable
- Schwarz - Black, referring to hair or complexion
- Wagner – Wagon-maker
- Weber – Weaver
- Wolf - Resembled a wolf or lived near a house with a wolf sign
- Zimmermann - Carpenter
Popular German Last Names and Meanings
See if you can find your last name amongst these popular German surnames, plus learn about its meaning and importance in German society!
- Albrecht - Bright nobility
- Baumann - Farmer or builder
- Braun - Brown, referring to hair color or complexion
- Dietrich - Ruler of the people
- Geiger - Fiddler or violinist
- Graf - Count or nobleman
- Hartmann - Strong man
- Klein - Small or humble
- König - King or ruler
- Lehmann - Tenant farmer
- Müller - Miller
- Meier - Steward or bailiff
- Neumann - Newcomer to an area
- Richter - Judge
- Schmidt - Smith or blacksmith
- Schulz - Constable or village leader
Traditional German Last Names
Digging a little deeper into the historical tradition of Germanic surnames, the following are some of the most culturally-important last names from that country.
- Bauer – Farmer
- Brauer – Brewer
- Fleischer – Butcher (alternative term)
- Gärtner – Gardener
- Glaser – Glazier or glassmaker
- Goldschmied – Goldsmith
- Jäger – Hunter
- Keller – Cellar master or winemaker
- Koch – Cook
- Krämer – Shopkeeper or merchant
- Metzger – Butcher
- Pfeiffer – Piper or musician
- Sänger – Singer
- Schäfer – Shepherd
- Schuster – Shoemaker or cobbler
- Seiler – Ropemaker
- Tischler – Joiner or cabinetmaker
- Töpfer – Potter
- Weinhändler – Wine merchant
A Unique List of German Last Names
Of course, there are always a few names that stick out as diamonds in the rough, with meanings and histories as unique as they are. The following are some of the German surnames you might not hear very often!
- Abbas - Lion
- Altergott - Old God
- Bierhals - Beer-throat
- Durchdenwald - Through-the-forest
- Handschuh - Glove
- Nachtnebel - Night fog
- Trinkenschuh - Drink-shoe
Famous German Surnames (With English Translations)
Over the centuries, Germany has been home to many influential figures, from thinkers to musicians, which reflect Germany's enduring impact on culture, science, and philosophy around the globe.
- Adler - Eagle (Alfred Adler, psychoanalyst)
- Bach - Brook or stream (Johann Sebastian Bach, composer)
- Beethoven - From the beet fields (Ludwig van Beethoven, composer)
- Einstein - One stone (Albert Einstein, physicist)
- Freud - Joy (Sigmund Freud, father of psychoanalysis)
- Goethe - Brash or bold (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, writer)
- Kant - Edge or border (Immanuel Kant, philosopher)
- Schneider - Tailor (Helmut Schneider, footballer)
- Schumacher - Shoemaker (Michael Schumacher, race car driver)
- Wagner - Wagon maker (Richard Wagner, composer)
German Surnames and Your History
If you're interested in a surname that is imbued with the tales of ancestors, mythology, heroes, and history, then Family Education's list of German last names might just be perfect for you! Hopefully this rich cultural tapestry of Germanic names and meanings has inspired your search for meaning behind your own name, or the surnames of others in your circle of friends and family. Happy naming!
For more information check out these popular topics:
- German First Names and Meanings
- 175 Middle Names for Boys and Girls (+ Meanings!)
- The Ultimate List of 202 Boy Middle Names
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