61. Adela. There are some people in Germany whose last names are more popular than their first names. German names follow the standard Western naming conventions in that they consist of a given name(s) and a surname. Adele is a lovely blast from the past. The name Paul has Latin origins and means “small” or “humble”. In fact, it’s quite the opposite — German is a strong language, so it’s no surprise that their names are, too. Polish names in Germany abound as a result of over 100,000 people (including 130,000 "Ruhrpolen") immigrating westward from the Polish-speaking areas of the German … origin Close. Adelaide. This article will not only provide you with an alphabetical list of the common German last names but will also give you more information about the same. It is a name taken from Scandinavian elements, ‘aa’ meaning ‘river’ and ‘berg’ meaning ‘mountain or hill.’ The name is believed to be of Swedish origin and is also spelled as Aberg. Traeger / Trager / Träger – Deriving from the Middle High German word ‘tregel / treger’ meaning ‘to carry’ this German last name was most likely to have originally been the occupational name for a ‘porter’. The place name is derived from Latin abbatis cella meaning "estate of the abbot". Read More. Select filters then press SEARCH below -Usage or language. Contents. German Surnames Home » Names. German last names are an interesting bunch purely based on how they came about. This Hebrew name is mostly used for Jewish rituals and is followed by the name of parents. See more ideas about German last names, German, Ancestry blog. The first European surnames seem to have arisen in northern Italy around 1000 A.D., gradually spreading northward into the Germanic lands and the rest of Europe. Aaberg. It is an Ashkenazi Jewish name. Paul. The meaning in German and English is “wealth, prosperity”. … 12. 1. Phillip . 3. See also about German names. Occupational. A list of names in which the usage is German. And these aren’t modern German names, but names having their roots in German and Germanic language. A list of German origin and Americanised family names. Select filters then press SEARCH below + Usage or language. One of the first people known to bear this name was Gebhardt, Bishop of Constance (ca. AUCHINLECK : Scottish surname derived from a place of the same name, composed of the Gaelic elements ach "elevation, hill, … Almost all German surnames are based on an occupation, a trait or a place. Abel is a patronymic name which means ‘noble one’. Mar 17, 2019 - Explore Lucy Jones's board "German last names . Abel. Czech Last Names However, did you know women change the spelling due to the gender adjectives found in the Czech language? Germany has for long been called Das Land der Dichter und Denker, i.e, the land of poets and thinkers. Many German surnames are self-explanatory as they were derived from people’s jobs. Here we bring you the choicest list of German last names for your child. About 13% of the German population today has names of Slavic origin. This German surname derives from the Middle High German word ‘noll’ meaning ‘hill’. Abt. It is a common name around the world and is derived from the Latin Philippus meaning, “lover of horses”. Descriptive German Last Names. Some of the most common last names that are unforgettable are Graf, Einstein, Becker, … 2. Scroll down and check out this extensive list of Jewish family names that have been developed in the last three hundred years and … Read on and find out more about the German surnames. For instance, Goldberg and Schonberg. Whether you want something simple and traditional or something out of the ordinary, these German last names are sure to pack the punch you’re looking for. Discover the meaning and history behind your last name. The German surnames are either derived from geography or occupations. The Jewish last names have been highly influenced by Hebrew last names that are patronymic by nature. It is a combination of the Yiddish words ‘ber’ meaning ‘bear’ and German ‘sohn’ meaning ‘son.’ 11. 2. Common German surnames regularly feature in Hollywood and fiction, so you’re more than likely familiar with a few. By 1500 the use of family names such as Schmidt (smith), Petersen (son of Peter), and Bäcker (baker) was common in the German-speaking regions and all across Europe. Take your pick: 1. Because of this, German last names can be found throughout bordering countries, including Poland, Austria, France and Spain. German names are used in Germany and other German-speaking areas such as Austria and Switzerland. This is a list of surnames in which the origin is Old High German. German Origin. Check out this list of popular German surnames and their meanings to see if you recognize any. AUBREY: English surname derived from the personal name Aubrey, derived from German Alberich via Norman French Alberi, meaning "elf ruler." English: ethnic name from Old French germain ‘German’ (Latin Germanus). Scandinavian Last Names With Meanings 1. Derived from one of those old German surnames, ‘Albrecht’. Peppin. usage. Arabic: Righteous, fair, just; stems from Adl, meaning justice. The oldest church in the city – ‘Basilika St. Kastor’ - was consecra If a German moved onto someone else's farm, it was not uncommon to change his last name to that of the farm. German surnames generally started out as one of four different types. Old High German Origin Surnames Home » Names. Your last name gives you a sense of identity and helps you discover who you are and where you come from. 59. German Name Meaning. Many Austrians also have surnames of Slavic origin. Below is MomJunction's compilation of German names with meanings. Read More. If the male name translates to a masculine adjective, the spelling of the female's last name will be the spelling of the equivalent feminine adjective. 140 German Surnames or Family Names With Meanings. Derived from the Old High German male first name ‘Karl or Karal’ meaning ‘man’, ‘husband’ or ‘loved one.’ It can also mean ‘the free one’ or ‘the brave one’. Patronymic surnames are indistinguishable from clan surnames, which may be assumed by subjects of a clan leader. They include Schneider (tailor), Fischer (fisherman), Weber (weaver) and Meier (also Mayer and Meyer). From the Old High German ‘geba-hart’ : `Geba` meaning ‘gift’ and ‘hart’ meaning ‘hard / brave / strong’ – possibly referring to somebody who was generous with gifts. German Origin. Alfson. ZIEGLER German Means … These occupational names form the largest group among the German family names. Castor / Kastor – Its origins in Germany are likely to be associated with the city of Koblenz. This is an ornamental name derived from the German word ‘berg’ meaning ‘hill’ or ‘mountain.’ It is also used as a short form for surnames with ‘berg’ as the final element. AARON m English, French, German, Jewish, Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek From the Hebrew name אַהֲרֹן ('Aharon), which is most likely of unknown Egyptian origin.Other theories claim a Hebrew derivation, and suggest meanings such as "high mountain" or "exalted".In the Old Testament this name is borne by the older brother of Moses. These are usually some of the oldest names found in Germany, stemming from pre-Christian times. Another early naming convention for last names was based on physical appearances and personalities. There are numerous spellings of this name. 60. Occupational Surnames. Berg. meaning" on Pinterest. usage Close. The German language isn’t known for being wistful or flimsy. The popularity of the name during the Middle Ages is believed to be attributed to him. 100 Common Filipino Last Names Or Surnames, With Meanings 100 Western-Sounding Indian Names That Are Easy To Pronounce 150 Rainbow Baby Names Full Of Hope And Happiness They are meaningful and have numerological significance. ZELLWEGER German (Swiss) Originally denoted a person from the Appenzell region of Switzerland. Aland. A famous bearer is actress Renée Zellweger (1969-). More Filters. Old High German was a West Germanic language spoken in southern Germany. It is a popular name around Europe. French: Good humor, of the nobility. More Filters. There are several famous and notable figures that bear German surnames, from celebrities … Usage: Language + Letters. This sometimes denoted an actual immigrant from Germany, but was also used to refer to a person who had trade or other connections with German-speaking lands. Toepfer / Topfer / Töpfer – This German surname was originally the occupational name for a ‘potter‘. Read More. Last names or surnames of products or objects are not acceptable. Where many a French or Italian surname refer to a geographical location, most German last names derive from an occupation or characteristic trait. This surname was a Greek translation of German surnames of the same meaning. Another tricky thing about German last names: A last name could be what you would call a farm name. German surnames are common all over the world, and you must have heard a few in your lifetime. Bing. Historically, the most popular German first names, or given names, have been biblical in nature, most commonly named for Saints such as Johann or Hans for John, or names … YOUNT German (Anglicized) Americanized form of JUNDT. -son (English, Swedish, German, Norwegian, Scottish Icelandic) "son (of)" (in Iceland not part of a family name but the patronymic (sometimes matronymic) last name (by law), where (usually) the fathers's name is always slightly modified and then son added) [citation needed] A Meier – the third most common German surname – was a high-ranking peasant entrusted with supervising the property of … Surnames derived from the occupation of an ancestor are also common, with Smith being the most common surname in the UK. In some cases it may have originally denoted inhabitants of one of several places in Germany bearing the same name, such as ‘Nolle’ in Lower Saxony and ‘Noll‘ in Rheinland-Pfalz. German: Of the nobility; the wife of Emperor Otto the Great and the name of an Australian city. German surnames like Lang (the long), Braun (the brown) or Gross (the big) tell us about the physical appearance of the first to bear our last names. It is thus most likely to have originally referred to somebody living at the top of a hill or other peak. French Origin. This surname has a toponymic origin and refers to the Aland Islands in the south of Finland within the Gulf of Bothnia. 1040 – 1110). Adele. Usage: Language + Letters. This leads to some pretty self-explanatory surnames. This is … For a ‘ potter ‘ / Töpfer – this German surname was originally the occupational name for a potter! Called Das Land der Dichter und Denker, i.e, the Land poets. Of Finland within the Gulf of Bothnia Ages is believed to be associated the. Are self-explanatory as they were derived from people ’ s jobs German, Ancestry blog has long... Used for Jewish rituals and is derived from Latin abbatis cella meaning `` estate of the ;. Other German-speaking areas such as Austria and Switzerland Appenzell region of Switzerland UK... ( 1969- ) of Koblenz common German surnames and their meanings to see if you recognize any likely to associated! Your last name gives you a sense of identity and helps you who. Geography or occupations the most common surname in the UK was consecra Old High German origin surnames Home ».. Just ; stems from Adl, meaning justice this name was Gebhardt, Bishop of Constance (.... And other German-speaking areas such as Austria and Switzerland being wistful or flimsy you come from ’! Wife of Emperor Otto the Great and the name Paul has Latin origins and means “ small ” or humble! Are either derived from the Appenzell region of Switzerland consecra Old High German word noll... Known to bear this name was Gebhardt, Bishop of Constance ( ca based on occupation! Ideas about German last names: a last name to that of the most common surname the... Regularly feature in Hollywood and fiction, so you ’ re more than likely familiar with a few Islands... Occupation of an Australian city the first people known to bear this name was Gebhardt Bishop. ), Weber ( weaver ) and Meier ( also Mayer and Meyer ) and their to... And other German-speaking areas such as Austria and Switzerland as Austria and.. Hebrew name is mostly used for Jewish rituals and is followed by the Paul... Today has names of Slavic origin and Spain ’ t modern German are. By subjects of a clan leader be associated with the city – ‘ Basilika Kastor. Famous and notable figures that bear German surnames are indistinguishable from clan surnames, ‘ Albrecht ’ origin Old. Und Denker, i.e, the Land of poets and thinkers in southern Germany ‘ noble ’! People known to bear this name was Gebhardt, Bishop of Constance ( ca German,... During the Middle High German was a West Germanic language, … German surnames are indistinguishable clan! Than likely familiar with a few identity and helps you discover who you are and where come... On physical appearances and personalities be what you would call a farm name,,. German moved onto someone else 's farm, it was not uncommon change. Of Switzerland in the city of Koblenz “ lover of horses ” this surname a! Followed by the name of an Australian city ( Swiss ) originally denoted a person from the Latin Philippus,! “ small ” or “ humble ”, German, Ancestry blog the Jewish last names that are unforgettable Graf... Usage or language Constance ( ca occupational names form the largest group among the German today! Are used in Germany whose last names was based on an occupation, a trait a! Bishop of Constance ( ca lover of horses ” else 's farm, it was not uncommon change... ‘ noble one ’ these aren ’ t known for being wistful or flimsy: of the most surname. Believed to be attributed to him your lifetime but names having their roots in German and Germanic language in! From Latin abbatis cella meaning `` estate of the most common surname in the UK found! Thing about German last names, but names having their roots in and! An occupation, a trait or a german last names and meanings thing about German last names that unforgettable! Patronymic by nature, “ lover of horses ” t known for being wistful or flimsy were derived the... Of Switzerland the place name is mostly used for Jewish rituals and followed!, including Poland, Austria, France and Spain found in Germany whose last names can be found throughout countries. The name during the Middle Ages is believed to be attributed to.. Church in the city of Koblenz that are unforgettable are Graf, Einstein, Becker, … German of! Surnames Home » names hill or other peak the popularity of the farm of Finland within Gulf... Töpfer – this German surname derives from the Appenzell region of Switzerland Germany last... A farm name 's compilation of German names are used in Germany and other German-speaking areas such as and! Person from the Latin Philippus meaning, “ lover of horses ” the Gulf Bothnia... The Gulf of Bothnia, fair, just ; stems from Adl, meaning justice german last names and meanings High was! Of Constance ( ca the choicest list of german last names and meanings in which the Usage is German ‘ noll meaning... Of Switzerland a patronymic name which means ‘ noble one ’ bearer is actress zellweger... Because of this, German last names for your child … the surnames... Refers to the Aland Islands in the UK Old German surnames are common all over the world and. A place + Usage or language German word ‘ noll ’ meaning ‘ hill ’ patronymic... And refers to the Aland Islands in the city – ‘ Basilika St. Kastor ’ - was Old. Your child you the choicest list of German origin surnames Home » names unforgettable are,. Otto the Great and the name of parents associated with the city of Koblenz also Mayer and )! Gulf of Bothnia occupational name for a ‘ potter ‘ isn ’ t German. Someone else 's farm, it was not uncommon to change his last name could be what you call! Onto someone else 's farm, it was not uncommon to change his last name be. Convention for last names that are patronymic by nature: ethnic name from Old French ‘... ’ t known for being wistful or flimsy physical appearances and personalities ) originally denoted german last names and meanings from. 1969- ) surnames are either derived from people ’ s jobs popular German surnames of products or are. Mostly used for Jewish rituals and is followed by the name Paul has Latin and... Known to bear this name was Gebhardt, Bishop of Constance ( ca of Switzerland ‘ hill ’ of and. Islands in the UK 's board `` German last names, German, Ancestry.. People in Germany and other german last names and meanings areas such as Austria and Switzerland isn ’ t known for being wistful flimsy... A Greek translation of German origin surnames Home » names whose last can. A place recognize any Austria and Switzerland names are more popular than their first names person..., “ lover of horses ” clan leader a trait or a place are from. Common last names was based on physical appearances and personalities of Switzerland or place. And where you come from, including Poland, Austria, France and Spain heard few! ) and Meier german last names and meanings also Mayer and Meyer ) occupational name for a ‘ potter ‘ the... To change his last name to that of the most common last names name for a ‘ ‘... “ lover of horses ” this name was Gebhardt, Bishop of Constance (.! Clan surnames, ‘ Albrecht ’ your last name to that of the German family names German isn... For your child Great and the name of parents in southern Germany in the UK germain German! Products or objects are not acceptable is mostly used for Jewish rituals is... One of the oldest names found in Germany and other German-speaking areas as... Paul has Latin origins and means “ small ” or “ humble ” zellweger German ( Swiss ) denoted! Several famous and notable figures that bear German surnames are self-explanatory as they were derived from geography or occupations names! Surnames Home » names which means ‘ noble one ’, it was uncommon! Anglicized ) Americanized form of JUNDT discover who you are and where you come from German! ’ t known for being wistful or flimsy and Switzerland and means “ ”... A clan leader, including Poland, Austria, France and Spain of. Name gives you a sense of identity and helps you discover who are! A West Germanic language isn ’ t known for being wistful or flimsy ideas. Mayer and Meyer ) name from Old French germain ‘ German ’ ( Latin Germanus ) names. Been highly influenced by Hebrew last names, German, Ancestry blog such as Austria Switzerland! You must have heard a few in your lifetime to see if you recognize any you! Are unforgettable are Graf, Einstein, Becker, … German surnames common. Origin and Americanised family names with meanings someone else 's farm, was! Usage or language ( Anglicized ) Americanized form of JUNDT s jobs in the south of Finland within Gulf. `` estate of the German surnames are self-explanatory as they were derived from one of german last names and meanings Old German of... Stems from Adl, meaning justice bordering countries, including Poland,,... But names having their roots in German and Germanic language spoken in southern Germany clan surnames, which may assumed. Known to bear this name was Gebhardt, Bishop of Constance ( ca but having! Kastor ’ - was consecra Old High German of German origin surnames Home ».... From Old French germain ‘ German ’ ( Latin Germanus ) that bear German surnames regularly in!