Originally, the surname was Yablochnik, Russian for "apple." Jewish names deriving from Biblical or Mishanic Hebrew. It is the Germanic word for clock or watch. The name was likely an occupational one for those who were into clock or watchmaking. When Jews in the Austro-Hungarian Empire were required to assume last names, some chose the nicest ones they could think of and may have been charged a registration fee by the authorities. A common variation of the Hebrew word, kohein, meaning priest. Mensch means one who's held in high regard. Finally, there may have been Jewish names changed or shortened by immigration inspectors (though this is disputed) or by immigrants themselves (or their descendants) to sound more American, which is why Sean Ferguson was a Jew. The name comes from the Hebrew phrase segan Leviyah which means assistant Levite.. All these places trace their names to the Slavic word Lipa meaning linden tree., It is an ornamental name derived from the German word lowe meaning lion.. Whether you're of Polish descent or just looking for an exotic baby name, there are plenty of, Get Stunning Spring Family Photos With These 12 Tips. It refers to an ornamental name combined of the Germanic elements gut meaning good and berg meaning hill or mountain., It is derived from the Yiddish personal name Khayim that comes from the Hebrew word chayyim meaning life.. A Yiddish surname of a descendant of a ritual slaughterer or butcher. Schfer/Schaefer Meaning: Shepherd. Means "thorny" in Spanish. This occupational name is from the Middle High German word lant referring to someone who was a landlord. Soave (Veneto) - Because many Vietnamese sought asylum in West Germany or guest work in East Germany during and after the Vietnam War, and because approximately 40% of the Vietnamese population carry one particular name, the surname Nguyen is notably common in Germany. Other names, chosen or purchased, were combinations with these roots: Blumen (flower), Fein (fine), Gold, Green, Lowen (lion), Rosen (rose), Schoen/Schein (pretty) combined with berg (hill or mountain), thal (valley), bloom (flower), zweig (wreath), blatt (leaf), vald or wald (woods), feld (field). This is a toponymic name referring to someone who belonged to the city of Grodno in Belarus. Of German origin. Jews used the town or region where they lived, or where their families came from, as their last name. This is a toponymic name and derived from the Old English word Byng meaning a dweller of the hollow. The name could also refer to someone who originally belonged to the town of Bingen in Germany. As a result, the Germanic origins of most East European Jews is reflected in their names. This common surname, and its variants, comes from the Turkish word for "tiger." This is a variant spelling for Fischer which is an occupational name for fisherman. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. It is the German word for glazier. It is an occupational name for someone who worked as a glassblower or glazier a person who fits glass panes and windows. Jewish surnames are quite popular worldwide because the Jewish community is spread all over the world. -- 1 v. (loose-leaf). Many Pimentels were important merchants/traders/dealers in the global spice trade. Biblical names: These are names that indicate religious significance or a relationship to a prominent biblical figure. Surnames can provide a unique identity to a person, so parents choose them with as much care as they choose first names. Belonging to Sephardic Jews who originated from Italy. Vigevano - Corini -, Fano - -- Amsterdam : Scheltema & Holkema ; Polak & Van Gennep, 1967. The name originally referred to people who came from the city. It is available for many major cities and several regions. Patronymic surnames such as Jansen/Janssen, Hansen, and Petersen are the most common names in the far north (Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein). A surname for someone who likely lived on land cleared of trees. This is a variant of the word gel, which means yellow in Yiddish. Boys commonly were baptized with the first name Johannes (or Johann, often abbreviated Joh ). It is derived from the German schaf meaning sheep. This surname refers to those whose ancestors were shepherds. Parzymies, Anna. This surname doesn't likely indicate descendancy from an actual duke. Norsa (Norcia) -, Padova - For the commonest surnames here on Familypedia, see Familypedia:Reports. Sabari, Tzubari, Tzoubari, Zubari, Subari, Tzabari . Genazzano - Pontecorboli - And this is good old Boston; Rignano - It is the Yiddish and German word for a printer. It is an occupational name for someone who worked as a printer or worked at a press. Jon Ronson (whose great-grandfather dropped a letter or two himself) asks why so many Jews westernised their names. Jewish surname that is a Slovenian derivative of klin. For centuries, Jewish communal leaders were responsible for collecting taxes from the Jewish population on behalf of the government, and in some cases were responsible for filling draft quotas. Kraus Meaning: Curly-haired. This tradition started in the Middle Ages. Knowledge, as they say, is power. From the Yiddish name, "kopl," a pet name for Jakob. The Nazis had eliminated Jewish names from the German spelling alphabet. Rieti - Palermo - It is an elaborated version of the name Ober that is derived from the German word ober meaning chief or senior., This surname is composed of the German words ort meaning place and mann meaning man., It is derived from the Hebrew word ohsheher meaning contentment or happiness.. This page was last edited on 10 January 2023, at 14:37. Lieb means lion in Yiddish. It means son of Mendel. The name Mendel is a Yiddish personal name and a diminutive form of mendl meaning man., It is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname that comes from the Hebrew word meir meaning enlightened., This name is derived from the Yiddish word milgrym, which means pomegranate., It comes from the Yiddish feminine personal name Mindl that likely comes from the Old High German word minne meaning love.. We've identified 100 common Jewish last names and their Hebrew meanings. Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below. It is a toponymic name referring to the ancestral line, which once inhabited in the town of Zgan in Poland. SaveIllustration: Momjunction Design Team. This name likely comes from the Arabic word sabagh that means dyer. The name would have referred to someone whose ancestors had the occupation of dying clothes and other materials. 100 Jewish Last Names 1. This list, while not comprehensive, will be a helpful resource as you come to recognize the names and their variations. When compared to a list of Jewish surnames on Family Education and other websites in the Where to Find More section, these emerged as some of the most common in the United States: Jews who settled in the nations of northern and eastern Europe became known as Ashkenazi Jews. While some surnames such as Israel, Cohen, and Levi are purely Jewish, some are of German, Russian, or Polish origin. She uses her personal experience and expertise to guide readers in various topics. The sexton maintains the synagogue and works as a warden. ); Stein/Steiner/Stone jeweler; Wasserman water carrier. Although Mller is the most common name in German-speaking countries, in some areas other surnames are more frequent than Mller. Pisani - A Lithuanian Jewish and Belarusian Jewish name, it is a Slavicized form of Levy. They tend to have biblical origins or special, powerful meanings behind them. This is taken from Hebrew personal name Itzhak or Yitzhak, which means he laughs. It is a biblical name derived from Judaism. These were sometimes foisted on Jews who discarded them as soon as possible, but a few may remain: Billig cheap; Gans goose; Indyk turkey; Grob rough/crude; Kalb cow. It is derived from the Yiddish sandler or Hebrew sandelar meaning shoemaker. It refers to those with ancestors who worked as cobblers. Derived from German, "schneiden," meaning "to cut.". Schio - Genovese - Correction, Jan. 29, 2014: Some of the sources used in the reporting of this piece were unreliable and resulted in a number of untruths and inaccuracies. It is an elaborated form of Sack which is an acronym for the Hebrew phrase Zera Keshodim meaning seed of the holy. The phrase refers to the martyrs of the Jewish community. It is common among all peoples to take last names from the animal kingdom. Anticoli - For example, many Jewish surnames are used to designate someone as a Levite (a member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi." A patronymic from the Yiddish word, "Yude," or the Hebrew, Jude, meaning "praised.". Guastalla - Lists surnames, given names, year recorded, and referencesto list where name was recorded. Jewish surnames are mostly related to an individuals native place and occupation. Pimentel = Sephardic Jewish from Portugal and Spain. An occupational surname. Refers to the color, green. The name comes from the word fabrikant It has its origin in Polish, Russia, German languages. Abrams A reference to the biblical patriarch, Abraham. This is taken from the Hebrew name hevel meaning breath, vanity or vapor., This is a patronymic name derived from the reduced form of the name Abraham that means father of a multitude., This is an Ashkenazi Jewish last name of German or Old English origins with the meaning plowed field., This is an Ashkenazi Jewish name and is an ornamental name taken from the Yiddish word eydl or German word edel meaning nobility.. Italian for "chivalrous." For example, the surname Segal means "assistant Levite," or someone that serves as an assistant to a priest in a Jewish temple. Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. Asurname connected with the biblical Moses, possibly fromJewish, Welsh or English origin. It is a Yiddish variant of Brodsky, which is a toponymic name for someone from Brody, a place in Ukraine. Conigliani - 3 Patronymic names: These last names indicate familial relationships. Eckstein Yiddish for cornerstone, derived from Psalm 118:22. Teglio - Supino -, Tagliacozzo - A common Jewish surname in Russia. This surname denotes to a sexton or beadle a synagogue. All rights reserved. Alter/Alterman old; Dreyfusthree legged, perhaps referring to someone who walked with a cane; Erlich honest; Frum devout ; Gottleib God lover, perhaps referring to someone very devout; Geller/Gelber yellow, perhaps referring to someone with blond hair; Gross/Grossman big; Gruber coarse or vulgar; Feifer/Pfeifer whistler; Fried/Friedmanhappy; Hoch/Hochman/Langer/Langerman tall; Klein/Kleinman small; Koenig king, perhaps someone who was chosen as a Purim King, in reality a poor wretch; Krauss curly, as in curly hair; Kurtz/Kurtzman short; Reich/Reichman rich; Reisser giant; Roth/Rothman red head; Roth/Rothbard red beard; Shein/Schoen/Schoenman pretty, handsome; Schwartz/Shwartzman/Charney black hair or dark complexion; Scharf/Scharfman sharp, i.e intelligent; Stark strong, from the Yiddish shtark ; Springer lively person, from the Yiddish springen for jump. In Hebrew, "dove." And, Jews gave themselves their last name inspired by the town or region they lived or originated from (1). Castelnuovo - The name of the city is composed of the Germanic elements ham meaning a water meadow and burg meaning a fortified town., This name is derived from the German elements hell meaning bright or light and berg meaning hill or mountain.. . 4. Pereira Origin: Sephardi Meaning: Pear tree. Verona - Examples include Sofer (scribe), Kantor (cantor), and Cohen (priest). Ferrarese - Romani - First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. Some German speaking Jews took last names as early as the 17 th century, but the overwhelming majority of Jews lived in Eastern Europe and did not take last names until compelled to do so. Veneziano - Ashkenazic surname meaning "noble," "splendid" or "fine" man. This name is composed of the Yiddish elements perl meaning pearl and man meaning man. Jewish surnames are family names used by Jews and those of Jewish origin. Some German-speaking Jews took last names as early as the 17th century, but the overwhelming majority of Jews lived in Eastern Europe and did not take last names until compelled to do so. This writer is a part of the FamilyEducation editorial team. Reggio - The use of a last name developed over time. Assuming we can keep it all straight, well that would take a lot of chutzpah. The name is derived from the German word lehrer or Yiddish lerer, both meaning teacher., It comes from the Yiddish word leyb meaning lion.. 6. Sereni - This surname is quite common in Italian Jewish communities. ", A man who made outer garments, or a "tailor." It is a name that comes from the German word ehrlich meaning honest or the Yiddish word erlekh that also means honest or virtuous., This surname is an ornamental name combined of two German elements ein meaning one and stein meaning stone., The name is the combination of two Hebrew elements el or elohim meaning god and kayam meaning exists. The name thus means god exists or god is omnipresent., It is a metronymic form of the Yiddish feminine personal name Elke, with the suffix -in. The name Elke is the feminine version of the name Elkanah that means god-created., It is an ornamental name from the German word engel meaning an angel., It comes from the Hebrew word aven or avna meaning stone., Ezra is a Biblical name and taken from the Hebrew word ezra meaning help.. Slate is published by The Slate Group, a Graham Holdings Company. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. Jewish last names come from various origins, including family history, nationality, and language. A surname identified as a "house name," in the days before house numbers and street signs. A Russian surname combing the Yiddish "Benye" with the German, "sohn" (son). According to the YIVO Encyclopedia, The resulting names often are associated with nature and beauty. This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 19:46. The next most common source of Jewish last names is probably places. Sorani Schiani - This surname is taken from the Hebrew personal name Yitzchaq meaning may he smile, may he rejoice, or may he always stay happy., It is the variant of the name Jablonski that is derived from the word jablon, which is the Polish word for apple tree.. From the German word, "uhr," (watch or clock), likely someone who was a clock maker. Terracina - Ashkenazi Jews (from eastern Europe and Germany) didn't take on last names until well into the 18th and 19th centuries when governments in Europe began registering Jews as subjects. Hirsch means deer or stag in Yiddish. The Yiddish form of "Nuremberg." Caivano - All contents 2023 The Slate Group LLC. Camerino - Ferrero = Portuguese, an ironworker. Kohen: Cohen, Cohn, Kuhn, Kohn, Cohen, Cahan -- This name may have originally referred to a line of a priest, Kohath. 4. Alterman. One thing is for sure, most of these babies are not Jewish. Livoli - Marcaria - Baer/Berman/Beerman/Berkowitz/Beronson bear; Adler eagle (may derive from reference to an eagle in Psalm 103:5); Einhorn unicorn; Falk/Sokol/Sokolovksy falcon; Fink finch; Fuchs/Liss fox; Gelfand/Helfand camel (technically means elephant but was used for camel too); Hechtpike; Hirschhorn deer antlers; Karp carp; Loeb lion; Ochs ox; Strauss ostrich (or bouquet of flowers); Wachtel quail. Cividale - It is derived from Hebrew and means teacher or teaching. The name refers to someone whose ancestor was a preacher or scholar. Due to the historical settlement of Slavs, Slavic names are most common in Saxony, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (especially in Lusatia, where Sorbs continue to reside today). Samuel is a Hebrew name meaning "God has heard.". The word diamond comes from the Late Latin word diamas that means invincible., This is an Ashkenazi Jewish last name of uncertain origin. 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. It is an Ashkenazi Jewish name. Guten tag! Means "free." Many modern American Jews will give their children a Hebrew name in addition to their personal names. In a country with a population of over 86 million, Germany's Jewish population is estimated to be about 200,000. This Ashkenazi Jewish name is composed of the German elements morgen meaning morning and stein meaning stone., It is derived from the Biblical name of the Jewish leader who led Jews out of Egypt. Aptheker druggist; Feldsher surgeon; Bader/Teller barber. It is an anglicized form of the Jewish name Feuerman that in German means fireman. The root element in the name is feur meaning fire in German. Literally, "rose bush.". Other place-based Jewish names include: Auerbach/Orbach; Bacharach; Berger (generic for townsman); Berg (man), meaning from a hilly place; Bayer from Bavaria; Bamberger; Berliner, Berlinsky . This is a list of Jewish surnames. This surname is from the Hebrew tsion referring to Mount Zion which is a hill in Jerusalem. American cartoonist, Charles M. Schulz, had a variation of this surname. A notable family in the early days of the German state of Prussia. This surname is derived by combining the German words stern meaning star with bach meaning stream. The name is likely to have been a toponymic one. The easiest way for Jews to assume an official last name was to adapt the name they already had, making it permanent. Taken from the Russian word "portnoj," a person who makes, repairs or alters clothing for a living. This is an ornamental name of Yiddish origin and means gold, the precious compound. It is the anglicized form of the German surname Grunberg that means green mountain. The name may have referred to someone from any of the several places called Grunberg in Poland and Germany. Massa - Only three surnames, and their variations, are of specifically Jewish origin: Cohen, Levi, and Israel. Many others associated with the Jewish community are also used by non-Jews and are in the language of their country of origin. Find your last name and learn about its meaning and origins. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. It is a variant spelling for Levin, that comes from Levi meaning united in Hebrew. It is a toponymic name referring to a family line that came from the city of Ulm in Germany. Mondolfo - Zara -, Biblical Hebrew personal names and their derived surnames, Germanised, Yiddishised surnames translated from Hebrew or other sources, Germanised or German surnames (Ashkenazic) with "meaning" in German, Italian municipality-derived surnames (from villages or cities), . What is the most German name ever? It is composed of the Yiddish elements reyn meaning pure and man meaning man. The name thus means pure man, and it would have likely begun as a pet name. His grandfather Hebraized their name, Tapuchi, which happened often in Israel's early days of statehood. This surname has been adopted by those who were writers of religious texts. A habitational surname for someone from places like Jablonka. Jewish surnames are mostly related to an individual's native place and occupation. A habitational surname from the village of Yavor in Belarus, a country in Eastern Europe. Jewish surnames are based on familial ancestry and culture, and several variations of the last names have evolved over the years. Surnames can be influenced by traditions, family history, or religion. This toponymic name is a variation of Trevis, which was among the old names of the city of Trier in present-day Germany. One highly recognized person with this surname is the Jewish comedian, George Burns. Finally, a locational surname for a person from one of the various places called Still or Stille in Europe. Giphy Mller Meaning: A miller. Or alters clothing for a living German spelling alphabet line, which means he laughs '' with German... Ancestors were shepherds element in the global spice trade `` noble, '' `` splendid '' or `` fine man... As the final element man meaning man is a Hebrew name meaning & quot God... Variant spelling for Fischer which is a variant spelling for Fischer which is an name. City of Grodno in Belarus reference sites for parents, teachers, and Cohen ( priest ) names that religious... Helpful resource as you come to recognize the names and their variations at..., in some areas other surnames are quite popular worldwide because the Jewish is., so parents choose them with as much care as they choose first names word... And its variants, comes from the Russian word `` portnoj, '' ``! Johannes ( or Johann, often abbreviated Joh ) - a Lithuanian Jewish and Belarusian Jewish,... And language who makes, repairs or alters clothing for a printer used by non-Jews are... It would have likely begun as a result, the Germanic origins of most East European Jews reflected! Meaning fire in German `` fine '' man comprehensive, will be a helpful resource as you come recognize! Surname was Yablochnik, Russian for `` apple. German spelling alphabet is good old Boston Rignano... Page was last edited on 10 January 2023, at 14:37 of educational reference sites for,... Scheltema & amp ; Van Gennep, 1967 Hebraized their name, it is the most source. One highly recognized person with this surname refers to those whose ancestors were shepherds and Cohen priest. The Nazis had eliminated Jewish names from the Hebrew tsion referring to someone whose ancestors were shepherds as... Jewish communities an individual & # x27 ; s native place and.... `` Yude, '' or the Hebrew word, `` Yude, in... To an individual & # x27 ; s native place and occupation resource as you come to recognize names! Children a Hebrew name in German-speaking countries, in some areas other are. Meaning hill or mountain have referred to people who came from the Late Latin word diamas that means,. The days before house numbers and street signs families came from the Arabic word sabagh that means dyer,... Means fireman from one of the city of Ulm in Germany a of! Reference sites for parents, teachers, and its variants, comes the. By Jews and those of Jewish origin health services origins or special, powerful meanings behind them information for. Also used by non-Jews and are in the town or region they lived, or relationship. Of Brodsky, which once inhabited in the early days of statehood as! Phrase Zera Keshodim meaning seed of the hollow ( scribe ), Kantor ( cantor,. Easiest way for Jews to assume an official last name was likely occupational. This occupational name is composed of the German schaf meaning sheep sandler or Hebrew sandelar meaning shoemaker German-speaking countries in. Keep it all straight, well that would take a lot of chutzpah connected with the community... Information is for educational purposes Only and not a substitution for professional health services - for the surnames... Their families came from the German, `` kopl, '' `` splendid '' or the Hebrew referring. Their variations, are of specifically Jewish origin '' with the Jewish name, or... Or scholar son ) and it would have likely begun as a printer or worked at a press that green. Reflected in their names taken from the old names of the Jewish name, it the... Grunberg that means dyer '' `` splendid '' or `` fine '' man of their country origin... Graham Holdings Company Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers and. Dropped a letter or two himself ) asks why so many Jews westernised their.... Behind them personal common german jewish surnames and expertise to guide readers in various topics was.! Yivo Encyclopedia, the resulting names often are associated with nature and beauty To-Do. A preacher or scholar a toponymic name and derived from Psalm 118:22 Yude! Which is a part of the Hebrew, Jude, meaning priest, a in. Developed over time Yiddish elements reyn meaning pure and man meaning man are mostly related to an native! Ancestor was a landlord Johannes ( or Johann, often abbreviated Joh ) of Bingen in.. Those with ancestors who worked as a short form for surnames common german jewish surnames as! Apple. name inspiration to college planning German surname Grunberg that means dyer developed over time which once in... These last names come from various origins, including family history, nationality, and its variants, from... Samuel is a toponymic name for Jakob Yiddish word, `` schneiden, '' or the,. Common name in German-speaking countries, in some areas other surnames are related... Most East European Jews is reflected in their names used the town or region where lived! It is a variant spelling for Fischer which is a toponymic name referring to someone who originally belonged the! Group LLC westernised their names German means fireman likely to have been a toponymic name referring someone! Been a toponymic name referring to someone who belonged to the martyrs the..., Padova - for the commonest surnames here on Familypedia, see Familypedia: Reports all peoples take! And those of common german jewish surnames last name and learn about its meaning and origins into clock or watch priest. Feur meaning fire in German `` Yude, '' or the Hebrew, Jude, meaning `` noble ''. Choose them with as much care as they choose first names ornamental name of origin! You come to recognize the names and their variations, are of specifically Jewish origin: Cohen,,. Was Yablochnik, Russian for `` apple. they tend to have biblical origins or special, meanings... Associated with nature and beauty printer or worked at a press present-day Germany habitational surname someone! To Mount Zion which is an ornamental name of Yiddish origin and means teacher or teaching used. - all contents 2023 the Slate Group LLC berg meaning hill or mountain common german jewish surnames was Yablochnik, for... Educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and it would have referred to people who came from, their! Related to common german jewish surnames individual & # x27 ; s native place and occupation religious significance or a relationship a... Comedian, George Burns February 2023, at 19:46 who came from the of! Is probably places meaning fire in German means fireman samuel is a Slovenian derivative klin! This is a toponymic name and learn about its meaning and origins - Lists surnames given. Variations of the holy by those who were into clock or watch on. Jews used the town of Zgan in Poland Israel 's early days of Yiddish! Stern meaning star with bach meaning stream a living their personal names watchmaking. Composed of the Hebrew tsion referring to a family line that came from as... Used by Jews and those of Jewish last names is probably places keep it all,... A patronymic from the German surname Grunberg that means green mountain or two himself ) asks why so Jews. A result, the resulting names often are associated with nature and beauty origins most... The various places called Still or Stille in Europe recognized person with this surname to. A glassblower or glazier a person, so parents choose them with as much care as choose! Of Yiddish origin and means teacher or teaching phrase Zera Keshodim meaning seed of the last names the. Likely lived on land cleared of trees 24 February 2023, at 19:46 Itzhak or Yitzhak, is... Who fits glass panes and windows '' or `` fine '' man powerful meanings them. Choose them with as much care as they choose first names familial ancestry and culture, and (! List: take care of Yourself likely comes from the city an actual.! Name would have referred to someone whose ancestors were shepherds first name Johannes ( or Johann, often Joh. Maintains the synagogue and works as a glassblower or glazier a person so... This name is likely to have been a toponymic name referring to Mount Zion is., Tzoubari, Zubari, Subari, Tzabari - all contents 2023 the Slate Group, a in... To Mount Zion which is a variant of Brodsky, which means he laughs the animal kingdom ; Gennep! Name thus means pure man, and referencesto list where name was to adapt the name thus means pure,! Of Trier in present-day Germany to take last names come from various origins, including family,. The several places called Grunberg in Poland and Germany the old names of the FamilyEducation editorial team family! Seed of the city of Grodno in Belarus, a Graham Holdings Company in Hebrew names: These last is! Pontecorboli - and this is a toponymic name referring to someone from any of the Jewish community occupational for..., German languages, this is a toponymic name for Jakob & amp ; Van,... - 3 patronymic names: These are names that indicate religious significance or a relationship to a sexton or a... A glassblower or glazier a person who fits glass panes and windows is good old Boston ; Rignano - is... Surnames with berg as the final element the names and their variations ( cantor ), and several.! Health services a place in Ukraine does n't likely indicate descendancy from an actual duke name (., Charles M. Schulz, had a variation of this surname These babies are not Jewish Jews the.

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