These 50 German surnames may fascinate individuals who are looking for a unique way to tie-in a German last name as either a first or middle name option for future baby names or pet names. After all, whether you’re a globetrotter who fell in love with Germany, have German ancestry that carries great significance to you, or have an affinity for German cars—BMW, Volkswagen, Porsche, etc., there are many reasons why German surnames could make their way onto your lists of names. Various artists and writers may also be interested in German surnames, but for the purpose of naming book characters, incorporating them into song lyrics, finding them as inspiration for the titles of paintings, sculptures, or other artwork, and more. Reviewing a list of German surnames and their meanings could be exactly what someone needs for their artistic endeavor. Many German surnames have noticeable characteristics such as beginning with Sch-, containing the letters au or ei together, ending with -er and -mann, etc. There are last names that correspond with geographic locations, jobs held by individuals, physical traits, and so on. Enjoy checking them all out!
50 German Last Names
1. Müller
This is an occupational surname related to operating a mill (milling).
2. Hoffmann
Originated as a name for the steward of a large farm.
3. Meyer
Meaning “landlord” or “self-employed farmer.”
4. Klein
Just like its length, this last name means “small, short.”
5. Schmidt
While this name relates to a smithing (or craftsperson) job, we don’t blame you if all you’re thinking about is the New Girl character.
6. Krause
Meaning “curly-haired.”
7. Lehmann
Traditionally described as someone who was a feudal tenant—being loaned land in exchange for rent or service.
8. Wagner
A surname that typically corresponded to someone who made and/or repaired wagon wheels.
9. Koch
They likely have some mouthwatering recipes in their family line—this last name means “cook.”
10. Hahn
Meaning “rooster.”
11. Ludwig
Comes from a first name composed of “fame” and “war.”
12. Ziegler
An occupational last name, refers to a tiler or brickmaker.
13. Neumann
Unsurprisingly, this surname means “new.”
14. Schneider
This was a last name that corresponded to someone who worked as a tailor.
15. Braun
Individuals with this German last name, like Succession’s Nicholas Braun, have a name meaning “brown-haired.”
16. Haas
This short and sweet name means “hare.”
17. Bauer
A common last name that means “farmer” or “peasant.”
18. Bergmann
Families with this surname likely had mining in their occupational history.
19. Heinrich
Meaning “home-ruler.”
20. Roth
A surname refers to the character trait of red hair.
21. Fischer
This occupational last name corresponded with fishing.
22. Vogel
One with nature, this surname means “bird.”
23. Schuster
Someone who made or repaired shoes.
24. Richter
An occupational name for a judge.
25. Krüger
Meaning “tavern-keeper.”
26. Voigt
This German surname means “steward.”
27. Weber
Someone with this last name likely came from a family involved with weaving.
28. Peters
Patronymic, literally meaning “Peter’s son.”
29. Sauer
Unsurprisingly, this surname means “sour.”
30. Günther
This patronymic comes from the same first name meaning “battle.”
31. Jung
A family with this last name might agree that age is just a number, as their name means “young.”
32. Berger
This is a location-based name for someone who comes from the mountains.
33. Stein
Meaning “rock,” this geographical name was used for a family living near a stone monument or on rocky ground.
34. Kaiser
A name fit for a king, as it means “emperor.”
35. Lange
Descendants with this surname likely had someone in their family line known for being extra-tall.
36. König
Typically this name would be used for someone working for a king.
37. Albrecht
Meaning “noble.”
38. Keller
Traditionally, this name would be used for someone who worked as an overseer of a cellar, or store chamber.
39. Schröder
Meaning “to cut,” someone with this surname likely had an ancestor who worked as a cloth-cutter/tailor.
40. Busch
A topographical name for someone who lived near a thicket or around many shrubs.
41. Fuchs
This family could be quite cunning with a name meaning of “fox-like.”
42. Engel
Meaning “angel.”
43. Brandt
Location-wise, this name corresponded to someone living in an area that had been cleared by fire.
44. Schäfer
This last name is linked to the job of shepherding.
45. Beck
A family who was living near, or had once lived near, a stream or brook.
46. Bhaer
The Little Women character, Friedrich Bhaer, was the German professor who stole Jo March’s heart.
47. Huber
This surname corresponded to someone who could be labeled a “landowner.”
48. Zimmermann
An individual with this last name likely had a carpenter in their family.
49. Schulz
A man in charge of a village, like a mayor.
50. Becker
Someone with this last name likely had a baker in their family line. Check out: - 250 team trivia names - 300 unique dog names- Trendiest baby names for 2022- 150 funny WiFi names
